Nothing beats LeBron’s summer, but the team may need to start considering a potential offer to the future Hall of Famer.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, a reliable LeBron James source, predicts James will become a free agent this summer rather than pick up the Lakers’ $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. did.
“I think LeBron is going to opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time since 2018.” Windhorst said Tuesday on “Get Up.” “I think that’s going to put a little bit of pressure on the Lakers.”
James’ status has implications across the league as it can change the trajectory of a franchise, and his future is now in the crosshairs as the Lakers’ season ends Monday night against the Nuggets.
The 39-year-old did not address his future after the Game 5 loss in Denver, saying, “Well, I’m not going to answer that.”
The answer is open to many interpretations, and Windhorst believes there are three reasons why James chose to become a free agent rather than rejoin the Lakers.
The first focuses on James, who wants to see how the Lakers upgrade their roster after a disappointing season that started with a shot at a championship.
“I think he wants to see what the Lakers do before and after the draft,” Windhorst said. “They potentially have three first-round picks that they can trade, and they also have some contracts that they can package to upgrade their team. They could make a big upgrade to this team at the trade deadline.” You remember we didn’t add anything. I think LeBron hasn’t forgotten that and he likes to put pressure on them.”
The second one is about my son Bronny, who wants to play with me.
By choosing to sign, James is taking the risk that his son could be drafted by another team.
By waiting, James can see where his son lands before moving on.
Bronny is a freshman at the University of Southern California. declared for the draft However, he maintained his university entrance qualifications.
“As you may know, his son Bronny could be in this draft, and I expect him to be as well,” Windhorst said. “I think the Lakers will keep their draft pick, but the New Orleans Pelicans have the option of acquiring this year’s pick or deferring it to next year.I think the Pelicans will defer it to next year.”So, the Lakers I think he will go into the draft with the 17th overall pick and the 55th overall pick. LeBron has expressed interest in playing alongside his son. The Lakers may have two chances to draft him. ”
The last reason is that this gives James more power in the next contract, rather than opting for existing terms.
“I think there are some elements that he can put into a new contract,” Windhorst said. “If he opts in, he will only receive one year and $50 million. He has the potential to get a multi-year contract and there is no no-trade clause in his contract. There is one in the NBA. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to keep that locked up as well, from now until the end of June as we wait to see what the Lakers do as a team. I think we’re going to see some silence from LeBron.”
James’ previous free agency appearances include leaving the Cavaliers for the Heat in 2010, abandoning Miami for the Cavaliers in 2014, and heading to Hollywood in 2018.
Even if James becomes a free agent, he could return to the Lakers with a new contract.
