Insider reveals what LeBron James is looking for from Lakers

For the first time since he moved to the Western Conference, LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent.

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't offer him an extension last offseason, immediately prompting rumors about his imminent exit.

That may no longer be the case, as he showed he still has plenty left in the tank. However, he won't give the Purple & Gold any sort of hometown discount.

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, James wants the Lakers to give him a max contract or to detail how any savings on a James contract will be used to fill out the roster. 

LeBron James wants a max contract from the Los Angeles Lakers

"They want the Lakers to explain why and what other players they are going to target with the money that is saved," Windhorst said on "The Hoops Collective."

While that might be fair, James has made nearly $600 million in NBA salary alone. He made more than $50 million this season, is worth more than a billion dollars and hasn't been to the NBA Finals in six years.

Granted, he's still got every right to maximize his value for as long as he wants to keep playing, but he's not even the team's franchise player anymore; that's Luka Doncic.

With the salary cap constraints and Austin Reaves also looking to get paid, this might ultimately force the Lakers' hand to make a decision and just let him walk.

James is still a great player, and any team would be fortunate to have him and his farewell tour.

That said, he may no longer be in a position to make such demands or have that type of leverage.