LeBron James has until June 29 to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. He could land a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers or another team if he declines it.
Bobby Marks of ESPN predicted contracts for 10 free agents, including James. Marks predicted that James would land a two-year, $80 million deal that would include a player option and no-trade clause.
“But what happens if the next James contract starts at $40 million, $10 million less of the maximum he can earn in the first year?
“Such a discount would keep the Lakers well below the second apron even if D’Angelo Russell opts in to his $18.9 million contract or takes less in a new deal,” Marks wrote in his June 17 column exploring contract predictions. “The Lakers could also sign restricted free agent Max Christie and not exceed the threshold. Teams below the second apron also have more flexibility to send out contracts in a trade.”
James could seek a no-trade clause in a new deal with the Lakers, giving him the option of finishing his career in Los Angeles. If it didn’t work out with the Lakers, he then would have the option of demanding a trade to a new team.
