NBA Insider: LeBron James Likely To Opt Out Of Contract, Return To Lakers

LeBron James can opt out of his contract with the Lakers after the season, and that is exactly what most expect him to do. That list includes NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

But what will happen after James opts out? Windhorst said he believes James will return to the Lakers on a new deal, at least for another year. But it could come down to whether his son, Bronny James, is picked in the NBA Draft.

“I don’t think LeBron James is gonna retire and I do think he’s gonna play at least one more season,” Windhorst said on The Pat McAfee Show. “I really don’t see him leaving the Lakers. I think he will opt out of his contract though because I think Bronny is entering the draft.”

James, 39, remains one of the league’s best players — though he no longer is considered a 1A type of star on a championship team. Nothing wrong with that. Not at his age. But he can help you win, a lot, and the Lakers are aware of that. James likes living in Los Angeles, sources told Hoops Wire, and he has no plans to leave.

But he can always buy or rent a house in a new city if Bronny is drafted by a team in that city — and they decide to play for the same team.

Earlier this month, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report wrote that James doesn’t want to relocate to the East Coast.

“The Lakers might have some leverage over James. How many teams will have almost $50 million in cap room to max James out at $157.5 million over three seasons? The most obvious answer might be Philadelphia, but most NBA sources believe the 76ers are targeting Paul George,” Pincus wrote. “If George re-signs with the L.A. Clippers, the Sixers could give James an alternative.

“Those same sources believe James won’t want to relocate to the East Coast, even to potentially chase a title with Joel Embiid and Klutch client Tyrese Maxey.”

"I don't think LeBron James is gonna retire & I do think he's gonna play at least one more season..

I really don't see him leaving the Lakers..

I think he will opt out of his contract though because I think Bronny is entering the draft"

THANK YOU @WindhorstESPN #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pY7c3Gs51V

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 29, 2024