Last year, LeBron James signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the second year including a player option, allowing him to decide whether he wants to remain with the club. The contract is worth $99 million, and for the 2024/25 season, it is set to bring him $51.4 million. It appears that LeBron is contemplating leaving the Lakers or at least considering the possibility. This was revealed by his agent, Rich Paul, during an appearance on TNT.
“LeBron is a free agent. I have to focus on the business,” said Paul about the club’s star and the all-time leading scorer in NBA history (40,474 points). The way the conversation continued in the studio made it seem like Paul had said more than he intended.
A new challenge at 40?
Show host Chris Haynes immediately asked if this meant LeBron James would decline his player option, to which Paul retreated and said:
“Chris, you know I don’t discuss my business publicly,” Paul said.
“I understand, but I heard what you said,” Haynes replied.
If it turns out that James is leaving the Lakers, with whom he has been a member since 2018, winning his fourth championship ring in 2020 and the inaugural NBA In’Season Tournament last year, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs starting June 30.
One of the greatest players of all time, and for many, the greatest, James began his career in 2003, having also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. He celebrated his 39th birthday in December. Last season, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, and the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets in the first round.