Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
According to NBA source Brian Windhorst, LeBron James is interested in signing a large new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Windhorst claims that James is looking for a multi-year contract for nine figures.
“I don’t think this is LeBron’s last stand, and I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand,” Windhorst said during First Take. “First and foremost, I believe LeBron is looking to sign a multi-year contract with the Lakers this offseason worth nine figures. That will be even bigger than the deal he is currently on. Now, whether or not he’s able to finish that agreement, whether or if the Lakers want to offer him a three-year contract and pay him $60 million at the age of 42,
LeBron signed a two-year, $99 million deal with the Lakers in 2022 and is making $47.6 million this season. The 39-year-old has a $51.4 million player option for 2024-25 and appears to be seeking a significant raise.
James has played exceptionally well this season, averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. The 20-time All-Star isn’t showing signs of slowing down, but as Windhorst pointed out, would the Lakers want to pay him $60 million at 42?
If that’s all it takes for him to say, I believe they’ll give him the deal. According to reports, the Lakers would highly prefer that James retire with them. They would just hope that he can continue to play at a high level in three years, which is not implausible given his current form.
LeBron James Is Hoping To Retire As A Laker
The organization wants him to stay, and the man hopes he can as well. LeBron revealed that he hopes to retire as a Laker, but he is not certain it will happen.
“I am a Laker, and I am happy, very happy, being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” he remarked. “But I don’t know how long it will be or what uniform I’ll be wearing. Hopefully it’s with the Lakers. It’s a fantastic organization with numerous greats on its roster. I’m not sure how it will finish, but it’s coming.
In the end, James has complete control of the situation. If he receives the deal he wants and the Lakers make a splash this winter, I believe he will stay. While I believe the first portion will be taken care of, the question is whether the Lakers can make a significant move. They will have three first-round picks available for trade this summer, which they may use to land a superstar.
LeBron James Is Hoping Ankle Treatment Sets Him Up For A Strong Finish To 2023-24
James has been dealing with an ankle injury for quite some time, and it forced him to miss the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break as well as the first one after it. His status for the Lakers’ next two games is also uncertain, as James and the team, which is now 30-27 on the season, appear to want to get that ankle in the best form possible.
