BREA: Lakers’ Sign 39-years old brilliant superstar 2-Year, $80 Million Deal
LeBron James has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. If he declines, he can negotiate a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers or another team.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks projected contracts for 10 free agents, including James. Marks predicted James would secure a two-year, $80 million contract with a player option and no-trade clause.
“But what if James’s next contract starts at $40 million, $10 million less than the maximum he could earn in the first year?
“This discount would allow the Lakers to stay well below the second salary cap apron, even if D’Angelo Russell opts into his $18.9 million contract or agrees to a lower amount in a new deal,” Marks wrote in his June 17 column on contract predictions. “The Lakers could also sign restricted free agent Max Christie without exceeding the threshold. Teams below the second apron have greater flexibility to trade contracts.”
LeBron James Could Get No-Trade Clause in His Contract
James might pursue a no-trade clause in a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing him the option to finish his career in Los Angeles. If things didn’t go as planned with the Lakers, he could then request a trade to another team.
A no-trade clause is quite rare, with only 10 players in NBA history having such clauses in their contracts, according to The Athletic.
James had a no-trade clause with the Cleveland Cavaliers when he signed with the team in 2016.
Although no-trade clauses are rare, including one in his contract could incentivize the Lakers to re-sign him. Marks noted that since James has been in the NBA for at least eight seasons, with four of those with the Lakers, he is eligible for a no-trade clause in his contract.
“James should seek a two-year, $104 million contract that includes a player option and no-trade clause,” Marks wrote. “A short-term contract would also give James the option to become a free agent next offseason.”
James Continues to Impress Despite His Age
The 2023-24 season was another impressive year for LeBron James, now 39. Entering his 22nd season, the 20-time All-Star averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. He also shot a career-best 41.0% from three-point range on 5.1 attempts per game.
Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles as a team, finishing seventh in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record and losing in the first round, James was instrumental in their playoff push.
Retaining James with a new contract and adding players in the offseason seems to be the Lakers’ best strategy for competing next year. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka mentioned at the trade deadline that the team is open to making trades for the right players, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“If the right move would’ve been there at the right price, we would’ve pulled the trigger,” Pelinka said. “We’re not fearful of using future assets for now. It’s just gotta be using future assets for the now in the right way and the right deal.”
Although they didn’t make a move at the deadline, the Lakers now have three tradeable first-round picks, giving them flexibility to make trades this offseason. These moves could influence James’ decision to stay in Los Angeles.