The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason is beginning to heat up.
Although the Lakers offered undrafted star wing Austin Reaves a $89.2 million max contract extension, he ultimately declined it earlier this week (the exact day is unclear), according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Following Reaves’ bold decision, the organization’s 40-year phenomenon, LeBron James, received a $52.6 million contract update.
“Another year, another LeBron James player option,” Yahoo Sports’ Morten Stig Jensen wrote Wednesday. "The man likes his control, and who can blame him?
“After all, he's 40 now and the most statistically accomplished player in NBA history. Keeping his own options open seems fair, especially as the end has to be near.”
“(Right? It has to be, doesn't it? He's 40 for crying out loud!) James remains a top-20 player — some will argue he's higher, and there's certainly a case to be made for that — so his decision will have ripple effects for the Lakers, but it would be fairly surprising if wasn't back with L.A.”
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“What makes sense: His son, Bronny (James), is a Laker, so another year of on-court bonding should be of interest to James. More than likely, he opts out and signs a new one-plus-one deal, maintaining control of his future.”
Based on James’ recent Instagram post about his MCL sprain recovery process, retirement is likely off the table for the 21-time All-Star at the moment.
The Lakers, who didn’t make noise in the postseason, should expect the four-time NBA champion guard to return for his 23rd professional season in 2025-26.
Although James has lost a step, he’s still an asset capable of orchestrating a championship run with the right supporting cast around him.
The former No. 1 overall pick poured in 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per contest, drilling two-point field goals at a 51.3% clip and three-point field goals at a 37.6% clip.
James’ potential decision to opt out of the $52.6 million player option and ink a new deal with the Lakers could signal his intent to play beyond the 2025-26 campaign.
Either way, Los Angeles should maximize James’ remaining time in the league and strive for postseason success moving forward.
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