Is this a mistake or a message to the Lakers? During Game 2 of the Western Conference finals between Minnesota and Dallas, LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, was a guest on TNT. Asked about the future of the Los Angeles Lakers star, the director of the sports agency Klutch Sports said that “LeBron will be a free agent.” A surprising statement given the contractual situation of No. 6 of the Lakers, who has so far refused to confirm whether he would stay in California next season. But Rich Paul backpedaled when asked about what he had just said, saying he did not “(know) what” LeBron James will do this summer.
Still having one additional year of contract in the form of an option, he has until June 29 to choose to activate his contract, which would allow him to earn more than 51 million dollars (around €47 million) in 2024- 2025. Otherwise, he would become a free agent and would have the choice of joining one of the 30 NBA franchises. However, if he becomes a free agent, he could also return to the City of Angels, because the Lakers would like to offer him one last golden contract: 164 million dollars (around 151 M €) over three years to play until 42 years, according to The Athletic.
But LeBron James has kept his future unclear, because the arrival of his son Bronny, registered in the 2024 Draft, could change the situation. A time anticipated by the Lakers, who would be “very open” to draft him in order to satisfy their star, the latest projection from the ESPN site sends Bronny James to the rivals of the Boston Celtics in 54th place. For his 21st season in the NBA, the Lakers star was elected to the All-NBA Third Team thanks to averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
