Lakers star LeBron James hinted at what he thinks his future in Los Angeles looks like after multiple postgame comments.
LeBron James Hints at Off-Season Future
LeBron’s future in Los Angeles is clouded. The future Hall-of-Famer’s contract includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, and James has stayed silent about his decision going into the future. Despite boasting an NBA Championship and NBA Cup with the Lakers, LeBron criticized multiple members of the Lakers organization.
With the Lakers languishing in the middle of the Western Conference, LeBron is nowhere near making another title push. Outside of co-star Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ core is inconsistent and fails to show up at the right moments. The Lakers have hinted at rebuilding past 2026, and LeBron is showing intense interest in competing for a fifth ring.
However, LeBron hasn’t told the media about what his future in the Crypto.com Arena looks like. After a devastating Game 5 loss to prematurely end their season, LeBron avoided the major question on everyone’s minds: Will you renew?
“I don’t have an answer … to be honest,” LeBron told media after the loss. “I haven’t given it much thought.” After saying that he would confer with agent Rich Paul and his family, he added “We’ll cross that when we need to.”
When asked if his 106-108 loss to Denver would be his last time suiting up as a Los Angeles Laker, he gave a cryptic response.
“Uhhh, I’m not gonna answer that,” LeBron shrugged. “Appreciate it.”
LeBron later clarified his stance after posting to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then 🤫. Love 👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 1, 2024
Lakers, LeBron Worry For Future
LeBron’s player option is a huge item that will determine whether Los Angeles contends or sells going into the 2024-25 season. If he opted into the player option, he would spend one more season with Los Angeles while claiming $51.4 million across the year. He could also opt out and sign a three-year, $162 million deal to keep him in L.A until the 2027-28 season, or simply opt out and enter free agency.
His decision is complicated. He stated before that he wants to eventually team up with his son, Bronny James. However, it’s unknown whether Bronny will hear his name called at the draft, and we also don’t know whether he’ll take his chances at a different college.
LeBron has also weighed up the pros and cons of retiring. At age 39, LeBron is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. He’s seen persistent ankle injuries, and although he manages to post insane stat lines daily, he’s turned to using his basketball intelligence and shooting instead of his natural athleticism.
Other Lakers Issues
The other two important issues for Laker fans are the futures of Darvin Ham and D’Angelo Russell. Ham is on the hot seat after a mediocre season. Analysts often criticize Ham for his lack of adjustments and his loss of the locker room midway through the season. The Lakers are reportedly evaluating his position as the Lakers’ head coach, while candidates for the job are already rumored.
Russell has a $18.7 million player option that he will decide on this summer. After an up-and-down season with the Lakers Russell picked up in the second half of the season only to nosedive in the postseason. Russell will likely opt out of the contract and negotiate with the Lakers for more money.
“When I signed my contract last year I knew what position I was going to put myself in,” Russell said after Game 5’s loss. “So to be in that position now, with a little leverage, going to try to take advantage of it.”
