How LeBron James plans to help the Lakers maximize the roster around Luka Doncic.
As the 2024-25 campaign draws to a close, the Los Angeles Lakers are already putting together their plans for the upcoming offseason. In the case of LeBron James, the latest intel suggests that the King may opt out of his player option to help his team build a contender around Luka Doncic.
“LeBron will likely opt out of his $50.6 million player option, but he is not expected to leave Los Angeles, wrote Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. "Last offseason, James made it clear to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office that he would be willing to take a slight pay cut if it meant them targeting impactful talents who could increase the team’s championship odds. He will very likely do the same this summer.”
With a $52.6 million player option for next season, LeBron James can opt out and become a free agent as early as this summer. Even at 40 years old, the 4x champion is still widely coveted by teams across the league with averages of 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game this season.
James, who was drafted in 2003, has almost total control over his NBA future, and he designed it that way. Early on in his career, LeBron typically signed for the max as he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and his first contract with the Lakers. More recently, however, LeBron has been signing short-term deals that have allowed him to maintain contractual flexibility.
This summer, instead of just opting into his player option, it looks like LeBron could opt out to take a pay cut and help the Lakers build around their new franchise star (Luka Doncic). LeBron has already recognized Doncic as the future, and allowing the Lakers to build a proper team around him could make a huge difference in their performance next season and beyond.
Most importantly, the Lakers need a big man, and if they have more money to spend on one, it will surely increase their odds of making a move that moves the needle.
Of course, before the Lakers worry about next season, they'll have to get back on the right track in this campaign -- and that starts with better play from LeBron.
LeBron James Promises To Be Better After His Fourth Quarter Meltdown Against The Chicago Bulls
The Lakers have grand plans for the future, but they aren't ready to give up on this season, either. As the leader and culture-setter of the Lakers locker room, LeBron James' impact cannot be understated, and when he plays badly, it holds the entire team back.
On Friday, LeBron himself recognized his need for improvement and promised to be better after a horrid performance against the Bulls (where he made three critical mistakes down the stretch).
"Yeah that ones on me for sure!! Won’t happen again. My bad for fkn your 8 hrs of sleep up," wrote James in a reply to Cuffs The Legend.
No matter how well he plays, we know LeBron James will have a place on the Lakers for however long he wants it. As arguably the greatest player ever, LeBron has earned the ultimate job security, and what his next NBA contract looks like is entirely up to him.
This season, with averages of 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game for the Lakers, we know what LeBron is capable of. Now, if he can just find his rhythm and return to his typical standard of play, the Lakers will be set to make some noise this season and perhaps in the seasons to come.
