Report: Lakers Would Offer LeBron James Max 3-Year Deal If He Becomes Free Agent, LeBron Has Not Given LA Any Indication About What He’ll Do

According to NBA insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers would offer LeBron James a max three-year deal if he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. 

LeBron can become a free agent by declining his 2024-25 player option worth $51.4 million. 

“James has until June 29 to opt in to the final year of his contract with the Lakers or become an unrestricted free agent,” McMenamin wrote. “L.A. is committed to re-signing James and would offer the maximum three-year deal for which James is eligible to take him through his 24th season in the league, sources told ESPN.”

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Lakers in 2023-24 in 71 games while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from 3 and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers hired JJ Redick as their new head coach. LeBron, who is expected to decline his 2024-25 player option, was not an active participant in Los Angeles’ coaching search.

According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, LeBron has not given the Lakers any indication about what he will do this offseason. 

“League sources say the 39-year-old has not given the Lakers any indication about what he will do, even if the widely held expectation around the league is that he will either return on his player option or sign a new deal,” Amick wrote. “He wasn’t involved in the coaching search — never mind that it involved his podcast partner — and has made it clear that he’s in wait-and-see mode when it comes to the Lakers’ offseason business and the part it might play in his decision. If he opts out, as so many expect, don’t be surprised if he takes his time in free agency from there.”

A 20-time All-Star, LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018. He helped the franchise win the 2020 championship at the Walt Disney World bubble.