After a 108-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets that saw the Lakers eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, LeBron James isn’t giving up too much information about where he will be playing next season.
During Monday’s postgame interview, James was asked whether this could be his last game for the Lakers to which he responded: “I’m not going to answer that.”
The 39-year-old has the right to opt-out of his current contract and one NBA insider believes he will exercise that option. Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst stated he thinks James will become a free agent in the offseason.
“I think LeBron intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time since 2018,” said Windhorst.
"I think LeBron intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time since 2018."
👀 @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/4LkT1tMFmW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 30, 2024
The decision to become a free agent does not guarantee James will move on from the Lakers. It will, however, provide him with some leverage and he plans for the final stages of his NBA career.
According to Windhorst, there are three benefits for James if he opts-out. Firstly, the four-time league MVP is looking to see what caliber to players the organization will add in the offseason. Secondly, James’ son Bronny has declared for the 2024 NBA draft and he could wait to see if the Lakers draft him with one of their two picks. If that were to be the case, it is very likely he would return to Los Angeles. Finally, Windhorst believes LeBron could secure a long-term deal (instead of just a one-year opt-in) if he were to renegotiate a new contract.
