As the clock ticks toward the 2024 NBA free agency, LeBron James keeps fans and analysts on the edge of their seats. Will the Lakers superstar opt out of his hefty $51.4 million contract, or will he stay put? Despite widespread speculation about LeBron leaving LA, the 20-time All-Star remains mum about his next move.
Lakers on the Brink: Is LeBron Leaving LA?
Sources from The Athletic, Jovan Buha, and Shams Charania report that James is contemplating both staying with the Lakers and testing the free-agent waters. This decision comes in the wake of the Lakers’ playoff elimination by the Denver Nuggets, sparking rumors of a potential departure.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst added fuel to the fire, stating on Get Up that he believes James will choose free agency. However, NBA insider Marc Stein suggests the Lakers are still in the mix, though the contract’s structure remains uncertain.
Should LeBron opt out, ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes he could ink a three-year, $162 million deal, the most lucrative of his storied career, surpassing his previous $153.3 million contract from 2018. This potential contract, however, isn’t solely influenced by his dream to play alongside his son, Bronny James. LeBron has expressed a desire to play with Bronny, but this won’t be the decisive factor in his decision.
At 39, LeBron, the league’s eldest player, remains a powerhouse. His recent season stats—25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game—prove he’s far from slowing down. He even played 71 games this season, his most since the 2019-20 campaign.
Since their championship win in 2020, the Lakers have faced playoff disappointments and even missed the postseason in 2021-22. Despite last season’s run to the Western Conference Finals, they were ultimately swept by the Nuggets.
As the NBA world waits with bated breath, one thing is clear: LeBron’s next move could shake the league to its core.
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