Report: ‘Current Expectation’ Is LeBron James Will Stay With Lakers At Least Another Year

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the current expectation is that LeBron James will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for at least another year. 

LeBron has a player option next season worth $52,627,153. He’s the oldest player in the NBA. 

“While the 40-year-old has hinted that retirement has crossed his mind, the current expectation is he’ll stay at least another year with the Lakers,” Pincus wrote. 

LeBron has a no-trade clause in his contract. His son, Bronny James, is on the Lakers, so no one expects The King to leave Los Angeles. 

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron is averaging 24.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists this season while shooting 51.6% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free-throw line.

“I still love the game,” LeBron said after the Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers. “And I still got a lot to give to the game, to give to my teammates, to give to this league for while I’m here. I don’t have much time left. So, while I’m here today in this time, I’m going to try to give what I got when I’m out on the floor.

“So, why? It’s the love of the game and I have an opportunity now to show my son the ranks of how to be a professional in this league. And to be along [with] him every single day, that’s a treat.”

The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Doncic is LeBron’s favorite young player in the NBA. 

According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, Doncic‘s father, Sasa, was amazed watching LeBron work out four hours before the Lakers-Golden State Warriors game on February 6.

LeBron’s work ethic has been deemed unmatched in NBA circles. 

LeBron scored 42 points against the Warriors, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points. He scored 40 points again against the Blazers on February 20, continuing his trend of beating Father Time.