ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently revealed his expectations for LeBron James‘ upcoming free agency decision. The Los Angeles Lakers star has a $51.4 million player option for next season. According to Windhorst, he believes James will opt out of his contract. However, Windhorst also believes James will ultimately return to L.A.
“I don’t think LeBron James is gonna retire & I do think he’s gonna play at least one more season.. I really don’t see him leaving the Lakers.. I think he will opt out of his contract though because I think Bronny is entering the draft”
With the Lakers this season, James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Furthermore, the 39-year-old shot a career-high 41% from the three-point line. James brought the Lakers their 17th championship during the 2019-20 season. Currently, James’ Lakers face a 3-1 deficit to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
NBA Insider Gives Insight Into LeBron James’ Offseason Plans
How Much Does LeBron James Have Left in the Tank?
Windhorst believes James will not retire after this season. Furthermore, Rich Paul, James’ agent, recently said he thinks his client still has “maybe two or three years left in the tank.”
“He’s had an unbelievable career and I think we do see him next year. Now, how many more after that? I do not know. But I think he’s got maybe two or three years left in the tank, maybe.”
In March, James said he knows he “doesn’t have much time left” playing in the NBA.
“I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.”
Despite being 39 years old and having been in the league since 2003, James has shown no signs of slowing down. The four-time NBA champion was selected to his league-record 20th All-Star team this season. Additionally, his 71 regular season games played are the most of his career since the 2017-18 season, his last with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Is One Final Championship in On the Horizon for “King James”?
Recently, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green talked about James’ chances of winning another championship before he retires.
“With this current Lakers team, I don’t think so,” Green says of the likelihood James wins another championship.
“I think it’s going to be tough. LeBron James winning a championship at the level that he’s playing at? Absolutely.”
Assuming he remains with the Lakers, it is likely they will be the team James retires with. Despite the team currently being in the playoffs, things have gone south since winning a title in 2020. Since then, the Lakers have only made it past the first round of the playoffs once. This was last season when they got swept by the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
With the Western Conference being as competitive as it is, it will certainly be difficult for James to add one more ring to his resume. However, anytime James is healthy, he is a threat to make it far and win a championship.
