While Los Angeles Lakers fans want several questions answered this summer, the biggest is whether LeBron James will retire after 22 NBA seasons.
James’ pivotal offseason decision will determine how Los Angeles approaches the future.
If the four-time NBA champion does return, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick provided the public with valuable information regarding his contract situation.
"As The Athletic reported last season, one source briefed on James’ thinking said he was expected to play up to two more NBA seasons, which would take him through the 2025-26 season,” Buha and Amick wrote Friday.
"The easiest outcome, for all involved, is for him to pick up his player option for next season ($52.6 million) ahead of the June 29 deadline before heading off into retirement. When asked about his future after Game 5, James made it clear that he’s not sure how much longer he wants to play. Or, perhaps, even where.”
"If James returns to the Lakers, though, league sources say he’s not expected to consider the kind of pay cut that was in play around this time a year ago. Last summer, James took a discount of approximately $2.7 million to help the Lakers stay under the second apron and maintain roster flexibility.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"James considered taking an even steeper pay cut to help the Lakers land an impact player in free agency, with James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson, and Jonas Valančiūnas on his list, league sources confirmed. The Lakers didn’t land any of them, and James instead signed for closer to his max."
Ideally, the franchise would like its future Hall-of-Fame forward to have the Lakers' best interest in mind entering free agency.
With the Lakers needing to strengthen their roster by adding a big man and/or a dynamic wing, it would be beneficial for James to sacrifice in Year 23.
However, as long as the franchise retains its most well-rounded asset (James), it should be able to accommodate his possible refusal to take a pay cut.
James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per contest in the regular season, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep.
Despite failing to lead Los Angeles to a first-round playoff win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the four-time NBA Finals MVP was a high-level performer in the five-game series.
James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.7% from three.
It’ll be interesting to see what James decides to do after getting together with his family this summer and discussing his NBA future.
More NBA: Lakers predicted to part with Luka Doncic, reunite with $117 million three-time All-Star