LeBron James has a big decision to make over the next month or so. He has a player option for next season that he can either play on or turn down in order to sign a new contract.
Just about everyone expects him to be back this fall for his 23rd NBA season. But whether James opts in or opts out of that player option will have ramifications for the Los Angeles Lakers, mostly when it comes to their salary cap situation.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania went on “The Pat McAfee Show” and said he’s been told the superstar is likely to opt in to that player option.
“I’m told he’s likely to opt in. He’s got a player option of about $54 million, a massive player option. That’s likely. That’s the plan. But again, his option date is June 29. So he still has about a month to figure it out. He still has to have some hard conversations that are gonna happen between him and the Lakers to see what this team looks like. Because listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment. And I said it when I came on when their season ended, he’s probably gonna opt in because the option is so big and then that gives you flexibility to figure out, do you extend off that number, or this is the final year if this is the last hurrah essentially. Year 23 for No. 23, they have All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. So to me, it’s very storybook if that’s the way it goes. But, that’s a decision that he’s gotta make.”
After the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, James was asked how much longer he will play, and he said he couldn’t give an answer. One has to figure that no matter how much longer he wants to remain in the league, he will let it be known beforehand when his final season will be, as one has to expect that he will want some sort of farewell tour.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Shams: LeBron James likely to opt in to player option for next season
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
