NBA – Probably back, LeBron ready to make a big decision that could hurt the Lakers?

NBA (DR)

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

Probably back for another season, LeBron James has several choices to make, one of which involves his contract with the Lakers. But unlike last campaign, it’s not certain that he’ll decide to help his team.

Publicité

Although he has chosen to maintain the suspense for the time being, everything suggests that LeBron James will return for another season with the Lakers. He’s still capable of shining on the floor, and we know he’ll probably want to leave with a farewell tour of every NBA city, and not soberly in the middle of summer.

We should therefore have confirmation during the month of June of the obvious: the King will return for another NBA campaign, and potentially with the Lakers. This last part is not guaranteed, since he can refuse his player option and hit the market to sign wherever he wants. His departure is unlikely, but the option is there if number 23 wishes it.

Publicité

What decision for LeBron James?

Nevertheless, and now that Luka Doncic has just arrived, it’s highly doubtful that the Akron native will decide to change teams in the coming weeks. A return to the City of Angels, alongside Bronny James, remains the most likely scenario. There is, however, one detail that remains unclear at this stage: his next emoluments, and they’re the talk of the town.

If LeBron decides to accept his option, he’ll earn just over 52 million with the Lakers. If he refuses? Much less, depending on a possible deal with his team or another. At this stage, Brian Windhorst thinks he may even accept it to continue quietly. But this could pose problems in terms of recruitment.

Publicité

Brian Windhorst : “There’s not a lot of big-name free agents. The two biggest are Harden and LeBron. Both of them, I think, are staying with their teams. LeBron might not even opt out.”

Last year, James opened up the idea of refusing his option to extend by lowering his salary slightly. The recruitment of a big player is sometimes a matter of millions, and the King was absolutely determined to help the Lakers. Will he this year? It doesn’t seem to be the case, according to a few echoes. A decision that is already annoying fans, who wonder if winning the title is still a priority for him.

LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers NBA Western Conference