NBA executive lays down only option for LeBron James to ‘save face’ and get Kobe Bryant-like farewell

LeBron James can have a Kobe Bryant-like farewell tour with the Cleveland Cavaliers

With the arrival of Luka Doncic, it’s clear that the Lakers no longer see James as the face of the franchise.

On top of that, James opting into his $52.6 million player option has stirred the rumor mill, with many believing it’s an early sign of the King’s departure from LA.

So, if LBJ no longer plays for the Lakers, where can he realistically go and get a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant? Well, one NBA executive believes the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only other viable option.

“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe did, it’s the only other team that makes sense. LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards,” the executive told Bleacher Report.

But here’s the tricky part: “A farewell tour with the Cavs makes sense. And it’s a way for LeBron to save face and say this is what he wanted. But he’s not getting a big payday from them.”

It seems like James will have to pick between another huge contract and a respectable exit from the league. Only time will tell which option he will choose.

A contract buyout is out of the question for LeBron James

With James not getting any younger, another option for him to reunite with the Cavaliers is to negotiate a contract buyout with the Lakers.

However, an anonymous agent pointed out the downside of a contract buyout to Bleacher Report.

“When you take a buyout, that’s a signal that people around the league don’t want you. And I don’t think LeBron wants that,” the agent stated.

Additionally, throughout his 22-year stint in the NBA, James has never left a team in the middle of the season. There’s no reason to believe he’ll do that as a 40-year-old.