There are only nine days to go for the player option deadline to pass. The most notable player holding a player option for next season is LeBron James. Naturally, the date is set after the 2024 NBA Draft, considering that is how players get to choose whether they will stay put for one more year. However, an Insider suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar might end up being a free agent.
Los Angeles Times writer Dan Woike was covering the hiring of JJ Redick and how it impacts other aspects. In that article, he mentioned what Lakers superstar LeBron James was about to do. As of right now, the all-time leading scorer will opt out of his player option.
The coaching hire is the first step in an offseason during which the team is facing crucial roster decisions, particularly with James. James is expected to opt out of his current contract. Although the sense is he’ll re-sign with the Lakers, he will be an unrestricted free agent if he declines his player option.Dan Woike via Los Angeles Times
Therefore, the 39-year-old will approach the off-season as a free agent. This means the market is open for LeBron James to get a feel of.
However, Woike mentioned that James was understood to be re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Therefore, by opting out of the current contract, he can negotiate a new one. Time is not on the 4-time champion’s side, but that has not stopped him from seeking one last big payday.
It seems LeBron James is looking for a 2-year contract, just like the last one he signed. It would suggest that the contract will line him up to retire by the end of the 2025-26 season. James might not want to relocate from LA due to all his business interests. As such, he will likely return as a Laker next season.
LeBron James could decide on retirement based on how the 2024-25 season goes
If anything, LeBron James would certainly like to win another NBA title before hanging up his sneakers. If it is two, even better. Add to that if it is alongside his son Bronny James on the same Los Angeles Lakers squad, he will have achieved it all. Therefore, it is too early to say that James has a definite date set for his retirement.
For one, the hiring of JJ Redick helps the team reset the way they have been playing for all these years. Redick will look to devise a gameplan by which his similarly aged leading superstar can remain fresh for the playoffs. If Redick can get the best out of Anthony Davis and the supporting cast, it will altogether help the team to get a proper shot at the NBA title.
If Bronny James is on that team and they win the title, it could tempt James to run it back one more time. A dream scenario for LeBron James and his family. However, only time will tell if there is any chance of that dream panning out.