LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is now working with the franchise on signing a new deal. According to his friend and agent, Rich Paul, James is willing to take a pay cut in the process if that will help the Lakers sign an “impact player”.
By opting out, James walked away from a $51.4 million salary for 2024-25. However, he is now eligible to sign a contract with the Lakers for a maximum of three years, $162 million.
Paul told ESPN that James is open to taking less than the max figure, allowing the Lakers to have a $12.9 million midlevel exception on their disposal in the upcoming free agency. Reportedly, James believes that players like James Harden or Klay Thompson would be worth that sacrifice.
If the Lakers are unable to land a player that fits James’ criteria, he will expect to be given a maximum deal.
“He is prioritizing a roster improvement,” Paul told ESPN. “He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
While James will become a free agent, it is almost guaranteed that he will be a member of the Lakers next season. He wants to finish his playing career with the franchise, while the LA team is ready to give him a new deal to his liking.
Additionally, the Lakers just selected James’ son, Bronny James, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, and it is hard to see James passing up the opportunity to play alongside him.
