According to “The Athletic,” Lakers superstar LeBron James has declined a contract option worth $51.4 million. Will the 39-year-old now be leaving the Lakers?
LeBron James has declined a contract option for the 2024/25 season worth $51.4 million, reports The Athletic.
However, this does not necessarily mean a departure from the LA Lakers, but rather James wants to negotiate a new contract with the Californians as a free agent and then return to the team.
As the report shows, the 39-year-old attaches great importance to the design of his contracts, often preferring contracts over two years with an option on his side for a third season.
This strategy allows James to earn as much money as possible at once, but also to retain a lot of influence over his current team.
Now there is speculation that a general manager has recognized James’ strategy for the first time. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka may have refused to negotiate or sign a new blockbuster contract with James before the deadline.
But since the Lakers are likely to undergo a restructuring of the team in the offseason, this could possibly be enough to lure James with a new sporting perspective.
Pelinka could well be after this and negotiate a new contract with the long-time superstar at a later date.
Further indications that James will stay with the Lakers are the fact that his podcast partner JJ Redick was hired as the new head coach and his son Bronny was selected in the draft. LeBron has often expressed his wish to be able to play alongside his son in the NBA – with the Lakers, that would be possible next season.
2024-06-29 17:44:05
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