BREAKING NEWS: According to reports, LeBron James wants to sign a contract with the Lakers this summer worth over $100 million.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly offering LeBron James a big new contract this summer, according to NBA source Brian Windhorst. According to Windhorst, James is looking for a multi-year contract at nine figures.
Windhorst stated on First Take, “I don’t think this is LeBron’s last stand, I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand.” “First off, I believe LeBron is hoping to secure a multi-year, nine-figure contract with the Lakers during the offseason. That will surpass the current contract he is on in size. Now, that’s a another conversation entirely—whether he can complete that agreement and whether the Lakers want to offer him a three-year contract worth $60 million at age 42.”
LeBron is making $47.6 million this season after agreeing to a two-year, $99 million contract extension with the Lakers in 2022. The 39-year-old is reportedly looking for a sizable increase and has a player option for $51.4 million for 2024–2025.
This season, James has averaged 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He has undoubtedly performed at a very high level. Although the 20-time All-Star doesn’t appear to be slowing down, Windhorst raised an interesting point: would the Lakers be willing to give the 42-year-old $60 million?
I believe they will give him that deal if that is what it takes for him to say it. According to reports, the Lakers would much rather have James retire with them. All they could hope for in three years is that, given his current trajectory, he can still play at a respectable level.
LeBron James wants to stay a Laker and retire.
He wants to stay, and the organization wants him to stay as well. LeBron acknowledged that he is unsure if he will actually retire as a Laker.
“I’ve been a Laker for the last six years, and I’m happy being a Laker, and hopefully it stays that way,” James remarked. However, I’m not sure how long it will last or what outfit I’ll be wearing. I’m hoping it’s with the Lakers. There are a lot of excellent things about this organization. It’s great. It’s coming, albeit I’m not sure how it will finish.”
In the end, James is holding all the cards. I think he remains if he gets the kind of deal he wants and the Lakers have a successful offseason. The question is if the Lakers can pull off a major move, even though I think the first element would be covered. This summer, they will have three first-round picks that they can trade in hopes of landing a superstar.
LeBron James is hoping that his ankle treatment would help him have a successful finish to 2023–2024.
James missed the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break and their opening game following it due to an ankle injury he has been dealing with for a while. James and the Lakers, who are now 30-27 on the season, appear to want to get that ankle in the greatest condition possible, thus his availability for their next two games is also in doubt.
LeBron also hopes that his ankle rehabilitation prepares him for a strong season finale. If skipping a few games in February will enable him to perform at his peak come playoff time, then that’s the path he and the team ought to take.
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