Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James remains undecided on whether to exercise the player option on his contract for the 2024-25 season, per Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
James, 39, can pick up the $51.4 million option option or decline it and become an unrestricted free agent. Apparently, he is still deciding. He is aiming to play at least two more seasons, according to multiple sources and reports.
Either way, James is expected to re-sign with the Lakers, though some suspect that’s no sure thing. That said, recent reports suggest he no longer will leave LA just to play with son Bronny James, who is expected to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. (For the record, Los Angeles has the Nos. 17 and 55 overall picks).
James appeared in 71 games this past season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists, shooting 54.0 percent from the field, 41.0 percent on 3-pointers and 75.0 percent on free throws.
He joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018 after playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-18. He is also a four-time MVP, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time champion. He’s the only player in NBA history to rank top-five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists and the only player to score 40,000 points.
As for the Lakers, there’s a need for a new coach after firing Darvin Ham. That search has begun, with names such as JJ Redick, Sam Cassell and James Borrego reportedly in the early running. We have the latest on the Lakers search right here.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
