Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has chosen to opt out of his contract ahead of the 2024 offseason, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Just In: Los Angeles Lakers four-time champion LeBron James intends to opt out of his $51.4 million player option for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The expectation is James will return to the Lakers on a new deal. pic.twitter.com/wQAbSAwCQD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
Head of Lakers’ Snake Makes $51.4 Million Contract Decision
James was set to make $51.4 million in 2024-25. He could re-sign with the Lakers for as much as $162 million over three years. That being said, the 39-year-old is expected to return to L.A. for his 22nd season (his seventh with the Lakers).
With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/rzew2q2V9Q
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2024
In fact, Turner Sports insider Chris Haynes reports that James is considering for re-signing for less than the max in order for L.A. to have the $12.9 million non-taxpayer’s MLE.
Wearing Their Heart On Their Sleeve
Los Angeles has made their desire to keep the league’s all-time leading scorer in purple and gold clear.
James took a hands-off approach in a coaching search that was highly influenced by Anthony Davis. Nonetheless, his friendship with JJ Redick is no secret. In addition, given Davis’s relationship with James, he likely took James’s thoughts into account. Ultimately, James was always a factor in the coaching search.
Whether they hired Redick or Dan Hurley, the goal was to make an impression upon him, as much as it was to secure the right head coach for the long-term.
L.A.’s decision to draft his son this week was strategic as well. Being drafted is the experience of a lifetime to someone who wants to be the NBA. Frankly, all 30 NBA teams could have let him go undrafted. They could’ve signed him after using their draft selections on players deemed more valuable.
Yet, the Lakers let his son’s dreams come true. At worst, it was a nice gesture.
On top of that, it’s unlikely that James would leave his eldest son to fend for himself with the Lakers. That doesn’t jive with the protective nature he’s displayed as a father. For all the talk of them being okay with not teaming up in the NBA, it’s inconsistent with him saying for years that he would like to play on the same team as his progeny.
How Much Longer Can LeBron Dominate?
The plan appears to be for James to play more off-ball next season. This could conserve his energy, lead to more balanced shot distribution, and prevent him from relying on his fading athleticism. It may even help him remain health, as he doesn’t have to put as much pressure on his ailing ankles.
Of course, James has to nail his long bombs. With that said, it’s fair to doubt as to whether he can. On the one hand, James made a career-high 41.0 percent of his 3s last season. On the other, he’s a career 34.8 percent 3-point shooter. In fact, he only converted 34.6 percent of his 3s from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
If James’s jumper is off, he could lean into his post play. However, this requires more energy than spotting-up. Furthermore, due to the footwork involved, it still leaves him vulnerable to foot injuries.
Ultimately, the 20-time All-Star may eventually resort to his tried and true methods. As a first-year head coach who’ll be learning from James as much as he leads him, Redick very well may let him.
