Lebron James will hit the free agency this summer, but he is expected to be back in gold and purple
It seems certain that LeBron James will not exercise his $51.4 million player option for the next NBA season, which puts the Los Angeles Lakers at high risk of losing the legendary forward.
The prestigious LA Times confirmed that the all-time NBA leading scorer will opt out of his contract with the purple and gold franchise, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“Common sense says that he (James) will re-sign with the Lakers, but if he declines his player option, he can join any team he wants,” noted Dan Woike from the mentioned media outlet.
According the latest reports from the Hollywood club, James is agreeing to a maximum three-year extension. Both parties are still finalizing the agreement and are reflecting upon the latest details, while keeping in mind that the four-time champion will turn 40 in the middle of the 2024-2025 season.
However, various sources have been insisting for weeks that the arrival of JJ Redick as the head coach at Crypto.com Arena, made official on Thursday, made the whole difference for the Lakers choice. James has a good friendship with Redick, who is now getting his first opportunity as a head coach.
While James is widely expected to remain with the Lakers in the end, he will surely receive interest from other teams if he is open-minded about where he plays next season. The Philadelphia 76ers led by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will have max cap space and are reportedly hunting for a star.
