LeBron James is entering his final years as a basketball player. He has indicated that he would prefer to finish his career as a Los Angeles Lakers player. But with his contract winding down, analyst Rachel Nichols thinks James had to butter up owner Jeanie Buss during the game on Friday.
LeBron James was spotted having a conversation with Buss and Linda Rambis courtside on Friday. Nichols highlighted that while speaking on the topic of James’ contract on FS1’s Undisputed.
First of all smart man, LeBron. He is about to go into the summer where he is trying to negotiate a new contract. He wants the max, he wants $54 million a year for 3 years until he's 42 years old. But still a schmoozing doesn't hurt....! He is putting himself in positions saying all the right things. Rachel Nichols
Nichols alluded that considering how James is important in every aspect to the Lakers franchise, he is looking for that huge deal. And he is giving time to the things that are important for him to get that deal.
Earlier rumors suggested James wants to go to a competitive team to increase his chances of winning another title or two. But now, it seems there is an increasing likelihood that LeBron James could stay with the Lakers until he retires.
With his player option coming up after next year’s draft, James’ next move will be confirmed in those 4-5 days. There are also rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers could draft his son, Bronny James. If that happens, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone.
LeBron James and his dilemma entering next season
James is 39 years old and playing in his 21st season. He knows his career is winding down. But at the same time, he also has two goals in mind. Finish with at least another NBA title and play alongside his son, Bronny James. Currently, it seems increasingly likely that James will at least get his second wish granted if the Lakers draft his son.
Nichols, alongside co-analysts Keyshawn Johnson and Skip Bayless, suggested James should take a massive pay cut to make his first wish easier to come true. Nichols hinted that James does not want to take a pay cut. He wants that massive contract to maximize his earnings before he retires.
For now, it seems LeBron James is trying to make the best situations unfold for him entering season 22. If everything falls in place, he will retire as a Los Angeles Lakers player. And for that reason, if he has to butter up Jeanie Buss, so be it.
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