After a frustrating finish to the season, LeBron James is expected to test free agency this year. This development comes as the Los Angeles Lakers star now gains the option to decline his player option for the upcoming season.
When James first joined the Lakers in 2018, he did so with a young squad that had Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram in it. Since then, the front office traded those pieces away for All-Star big man Anthony Davis, which resulted in a ring during the 2019-20 season.
From there, James and the Lakers continually disappointed in the playoffs, mainly due to injuries. Just this year, though, the Purple and Gold struggled to make the postseason, only to lose to Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets in the first round. As a result, Darvin Ham was let go to make way for a new coach next season with NBA analyst JJ Redick and Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell as the strongest candidates.
For James, though, he has the freedom to move on from L.A. and play for another team, thanks to a player option in his contract. This predicament has turned him into the front office’s main priority this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Forward LeBron James Expected To Test 2024 Free Agency
As it stands, James returning to Los Angeles isn’t a sure thing. According to a report written by Kevin Pelton for ESPN, the four-time NBA champion is the leading player in this year’s free agent market.
“A three-year projection for James, who will turn 40 in December, is pushing it. At some point, how long James wants to play will be more important than how well he can play. Still, given James was an All-NBA pick this season — and on my second team — he is likely to be the best player in this group next year, if healthy, and retain significant value beyond,” Pelton wrote.
Even though he’s turning another year older, James’ conditioning and wealth of experience makes him a vital asset for any team next season. Plus, his power to draw crowds will become valuable too, especially for small market franchises.
It remains to be seen whether James walks away from the Lakers, takes his player option, or haggles them for a bigger contract next season. In any case, all eyes will be on him in the coming months to know his next move.
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