Per NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN, LeBron James has expressed his desire to conclude his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
As LeBron approaches a potential free agency this summer, he holds the option to become an unrestricted free agent for the 2024-25 season should he opt out of his current player contract with the Lakers.
“On LeBron James, look I can’t sit here and really tell you I know what LeBron wants out of life. Everything I’ve heard for years, including today, is if he has his druthers, he would like to finish his career with the Lakers. There are pipe dream scenarios out there where like well Philly has all this cap space. Could he opt-in and ask for a trade to Philly? I haven’t heard that those things are real. I think he wants to finish his career a Laker. I think he probably will opt-in. Is he really opting out of $51 million?”
Having made his move to the Lakers in the summer of 2018, the four-time MVP committed to a four-year, $153M deal, marking a significant milestone in his career trajectory.
Following LeBron’s instrumental role in leading the Lakers to the 2020 championship at the Walt Disney World bubble, he inked a two-year, $85M extension in December 2020, further solidifying his dedication to the franchise.
In a subsequent move underscoring the Lakers’ strong inclination to have LeBron retire wearing their colors, the superstar penned a two-year, $99M extension with the team in August 2022, as reported by Sam Amick of The Athletic.
“Team sources say the Lakers would strongly prefer that James retire in their jersey someday, meaning he holds all the cards until his contract situation gets figured out. The Lakers’ top decision-makers have no illusions about that much.”
LeBron, who holds the prestigious title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, continues to showcase his remarkable skill set, averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds,and 7.8 assists this season. His shooting percentages remain formidable, with a 51.9% field goal rate, 39.3% from beyond the arc, and 73.7% from the free-throw line.
Despite LeBron’s stellar performances, the Lakers find themselves in a challenging position this season, currently occupying the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings with a record of 29-26.
More must-reads: