However, for all his greatness, James is no longer at the level where he can carry a team to greatness on his own shoulders.
Even with a legendary partner in Luka Doncic, James needs more solid teammates to put up a genuine championship fight.
There has been some speculation about LeBron James’ future with the Lakers. But a new report suggests he is staying with the Lakers. But it will cost the team the freedom to land new stars.
According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, LeBron James knows what he is going to do this offseason. James has a $52.6 million player option for the following year.
However, LeBron is likely to opt out of that player option and re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, $105 million deal, with a player option in the second year, to offer him more flexibility in 2026.
He holds a $52.6 million player option for next season, and there could be some interest in simply picking it up.”
“If he made clear this would be his last go-round, the Lakers could celebrate his every step on a season-long farewell tour, which would conveniently include an L.A.-based All-Star Game.”
“Maybe he’s not interested in putting that much finality to it, though. Not with his son, Bryce James, potentially becoming draft-eligible in 2026.”
LeBron lasting long enough to team up with Bronny James is incredible, but suiting up alongside both of his sons would certainly hold some appeal.”
“Look for James to give himself a bit of wiggle room, then, by declining his option and re-signing with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million deal with a player option on the second season.
Given that the Lakers need to make changes to their roster to build around Luka Doncic, it is surprising that LeBron James refused to take a pay cut.
James is at a point in his career where he makes more money with his off-court endorsements than his NBA salary. And he can afford to take a pay cut, even offering to take one for the Lakers last year to land Klay Thompson or a decent third option.
With Doncic likely to sign a big contract extension as well, the Lakers are severely limited in the signings they can make to address their weaknesses.
Especially considering James himself called the Lakers’ current roster not good enough to win a championship.
Add to this Austin Reaves likely being traded to avoid the Lakers losing him for nothing, James is putting the Lakers in a tough position.
Anthony Edwards may be just 23 years old, but he’s already drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan. The irony? Edwards never actually saw the Chicago Bulls legend play.
Born two months after Kobe Bryant secured his second championship with the Lakers, Edwards missed witnessing firsthand other greats he’s now being measured against.
To bridge this knowledge gap, Edwards relies heavily on his trainer, Chris Hines, who has taken on the role of basketball historian for the young Timberwolves star.
Hines is educating Anthony Edwards about legendary games beyond the dunks and game-winners that dominate social media.
He’s teaching Edwards about the vital supporting characters who helped the all-time greats achieve their greatest moments, an important lesson for a naturally alpha player with hero-ball tendencies.
