Lakers News: Pundit Projects How LeBron James Will Handle Contract Option Next Summer

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is scheduled to potentially be a free agent at the end of the season, meaning he could leave LA if he chooses. He has a player option on his contract, but it remains to be seen how he will go about using it.

NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report predicts how some of the biggest free agents for next summer would handle everything, and James has a few options to choose from.

"LeBron James has a $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024-25. He flirted with retirement this past offseason, but it's difficult to imagine James turning down that type of money, especially since no other team can pay him that much. If/when he opts in, the Lakers will drop completely off the list of cap-space teams.’

Per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report

If James turns down the $51.4 million player option, it likely means that he'd be doing so to play with his son elsewhere. That seems like it would be the only way that he leaves the Lakers next summer, and fans would respect that if so.

But in all likelihood, James will finish out his contract with the Purple and Gold, and maybe they can get his son on the team as well. Having James around brings massive value to this Lakers organization, and it keeps them as title contenders for the time being.

James fits with the Lakers, and the Lakers love having him around. He has embraced everything that it means to be a member of the organization, and fans have rallied around him over the years.

It would be hard to imagine him walking away, especially if the Lakers are fielding a solid championship team for him. But James is a calculated person, so if he is leaving, the plans are already in motion for it to happen.

Retirement is always an option as well, but James has also hinted about playing much longer than expected. He is still playing at an extremely high level, so him walking away right now, doesn’t make much sense.

This will be fascinating to follow along with, and something to monitor as the season progresses. James is still the face of the NBA, even in year 21, which is unheard of in NBA history.

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