Without Question, LeBron James’ Contract Makes Lakers’ Future One Worth Examining

December 21, 2024

LeBron James’ contract situation is as intriguing as ever, with the Lakers star standing at a bit of a crossroads that could shape the next phase of his legendary career.

He’s in the first year of a two-year, $101.3 million deal with the Lakers, which includes a player option for the 2025-26 season.

That means after next year, James could opt to test free agency again, or he could finish out the deal and keep all options open for 2025.

LeBron’s contract strategy has been a signature part of his career since he rejoined the Cavaliers in 2014. It’s all about flexibility and control, ensuring he maximizes his earnings and keeps his future in his own hands.

This approach, which includes short-term deals with player options, has given him the freedom to adapt to changing circumstances while staying at the top of his game.

In addition to the massive payday, James secured a rare no-trade clause in his contract — an element that gives him ultimate power over his destination.

Unlike most players, James would have to approve any trade, a significant perk for a player of his stature. He’s in elite company here, sharing this clause with only Phoenix’s Bradley Beal.

But don’t be fooled: while no one is truly “untradeable,” a deal involving LeBron would require the perfect scenario.

A trade to a contender like the Warriors, where he could join forces with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry, has been a fun hypothetical, especially after their success at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But given LeBron’s salary and his status in L.A., any such trade would be a monumental hurdle. And make no mistake — there’s no real indication that James is itching to leave the Lakers.

His loyalty to the franchise has been clear, and with good reason.

The Lakers have continued to build around him, even drafting his son, Bronny, in the 2024 draft, with the two making history as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

Add in hiring JJ Redick—LeBron’s podcast buddy—as head coach, and it’s clear the Lakers are going all-in on the LeBron legacy.

While LeBron’s career has been defined by his remarkable availability, he’s also no stranger to missing games. The most games he’s missed in a season is 27 (2022-23, 2020-21, 2018-19), though typically he stays on the court more than most stars.

Even as he’s approaching 40, James still plays at a fairly elite level. His early season numbers were as good as ever—23.5 points, 9.4 assists, 8.1 rebounds, and shooting 51.5% from the field. Sure, he’s had some rough patches, like the recent 2-7 stretch, but even when the numbers dip, LeBron remains a force.

Retirement still feels like a distant reality. The idea of LeBron hanging it up mid-season is tough to imagine. While he might have the occasional down game or stretch, his ability to bounce back and remain an impactful player has been nothing short of remarkable.

The question isn’t if LeBron can still play at a high level — it’s more about how long he wants to keep doing it.

For now, it’s clear James is focused on his Lakers future.

But yeah, once the offseason gets here, we can expect more speculation and more drama around James’ next move.