Retaining LeBron James will be essential for the Lakers’ aspirations of making a significant push for the championship next season.
Contrary to the end of the 2022-23 season, LeBron James seems more comfortable with the idea of playing another year following the Los Angeles Lakers’ exit from the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. There was much retirement speculation last year, but this season, it seems highly likely that James will continue playing for the next season and possibly the one after that. However, the Lakers cannot guarantee they will retain James.
To begin, LeBron James holds a player option valued at $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season, which he may choose to decline. According to Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints, this seems to be the most probable path for the NBA’s leading scorer of all time. The positive aspect for Lakers supporters is that there remains a possibility that James might decide to exercise his contract for the upcoming season. Jovan Buha and Shams Charania of The Athletic noted that both options, opting in and opting out, are being considered.
LeBron James has typically favored contract flexibility, as seen during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he avoided signing long-term extensions. This approach enabled him to enter free agency at his discretion. However, James deviated from this norm when he signed a two-year extension with the Lakers in 2022.
Now, it’s uncertain what factors LeBron James will prioritize in his upcoming contract decision. Will it be his wish to play alongside his son Bronny, who is making an impression on teams at the draft combine? Or will it be his ambition to secure a fifth championship ring before retiring? And will staying with the Lakers help him achieve either of these objectives? These are the questions that will be resolved as we enter an offseason filled with uncertainties.
Is LeBron James going to remain in Los Angeles?
LeBron James has built a solid foundation for himself and his family in Los Angeles, making it likely that he will stay with the Lakers even if he decides not to opt into his contract for the upcoming season. Additionally, the Lakers have the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which could be used to draft Bronny James and further persuade LeBron to remain with the team if necessary.
It’s uncertain whether selecting Bronny at that position solely to retain James for the final years of his career is a worthwhile move.
There’s also speculation that the Lakers could explore trading for a star player who might be available. Names like Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young have been mentioned as potential trade candidates, with Darius Garland also being considered as an option.
LeBron James seems to have ambitious plans for maximizing his remaining years in the league. As per Siegel, James’ offseason choice will be significantly influenced by the plans of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The trio is considering teaming up to help redeem Team USA in the 2024 Olympics after a disappointing performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, sparking discussions about a potential collaboration among them.
Lakers fans should prepare for an exciting offseason as they anticipate James’ decision and whether he’ll be open to spending his remaining career years elsewhere in pursuit of a championship before retiring.
