The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to retain star LeBron James this offseason, and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Thursday that the team is willing to sign him to any length of term.
“The Lakers intend to have LeBron James come back on any term that he wants to,” McMenamin said on The Rich Eisen Show (16:15 mark). “Whether that be a one-year deal, two-year deal, three-year deal, whatever. They’d love to continue to have LeBron James in the purple and gold until he calls it quits, whenever that may be.”
James has a player option this offseason and can stay with the Lakers for the 2024-25 season or hit free agency, leaving him with a big decision to make. He could choose to remain in Los Angeles alongside Anthony Davis in hopes of bringing home another championship before he retires, but he could explore his options elsewhere.
Davis signed a three-year extension with the Lakers ahead of the 2023 season, so he will remain in Los Angeles barring a trade.
Another element to factor in is James’ son, Bronny, who could be in the NBA next season. Bronny plans to enter the NBA draft, but also entered the transfer portal, so he still has the option of returning to college.
James said last year that he wanted to play with his son in the NBA, but it’s unclear if he will sign with whatever team—if any—selects Bronny.
Whatever James decides to do this offseason, he will likely have plenty of options. Despite being the oldest player in the league, James put up 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds a year ago and has shown no signs of slowing down.
The Lakers are willing to be flexible with James about his contract, and that could play to their advantage as they look to re-sign him.