There’s just no way LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers — not after his son, Bronny, is now on the team. The four-time NBA champ opted out of his contract to enter free agency, and while there is always a risk that this could lead to LeBron’s departure, it appears that this move is actually geared towards James helping the Lakers get more pieces ahead of the new season.
So much so, that LeBron is reportedly willing to take a massive pay cut to make this happen.
Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James Could Absorb $20 Million Loss
If James demanded max money, the Lakers would likely give it to him. This would, however, leave the team with less cap room available to potentially sign a key player for 2024-25.
LeBron is well aware of this fact, which is why he’s reportedly willing to lose money to help LA’s cause. This report comes via NBA guru Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
“LeBron James is willing to take less money,” Woj said. “… Maybe upwards of $20 million so the Lakers can have their full mid-level exception.”
"LeBron James is willing to take less money … maybe upwards of $20M so the Lakers can have their full mid-level exception." 😳 @wojespn with an update on Lebron's contract status with the Lakers ✍️ pic.twitter.com/5qheFzb70g
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 30, 2024
James Harden and Klay Thompson are two mid-level guys who have already been linked to the Lakers. Harden just agreed to an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers, so that ship has sailed.
Thompson, on the other hand, is reportedly on his way out of the Bay Area as the Golden State Warriors seek a sign-and-trade deal for their soon-to-be ex-superstar guard.
LeBron’s Final Year?
LeBron’s willingness to lose such a significant amount of money could be a foreshadowing of the 39-year-old’s imminent retirement. In fact, NBA insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN believes that this is an indication of James potentially hanging it up at the end of this season:
“We could be entering into the last year of his career,” McMenamin suggested. “… This is him showing some urgency and showing some willingness to partner with the Lakers to try to make them as competitive as possible.”
"We could be entering into the last year of [LeBron's] career." 😱
Dave McMenamin on LeBron's potential contract and how it affects the Lakers in free agency ✍️ pic.twitter.com/qdzgSNnKZC
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2024
If LeBron signs a one-year deal with the Lakers (or a two-year contract with a player option for 2025-26) in free agency then this theory becomes even more plausible.
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