The current NBA season has not gone as planned for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they are sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 23-23. Trade rumors are swirling, with Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks being a possible target for the Lakers. However, there is another important factor to consider amidst all the trade talks.
LeBron James holds a player option for next season, which could potentially be his last under his current contract with the Lakers. This means that there is a possibility he could choose to leave the team this summer. The Lakers may decide to hold off on making any trades until the summer when they would have more assets to play with, but James’ uncertain contract situation could complicate matters.
There have been no talks between the Lakers and James’ camp regarding his plans beyond this season. If there is a playoff disappointment, there could be a significant shift coming for the Lakers. James, although 39 years old, is still performing at a high level on the court, averaging 24.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game.
The decision James makes regarding his contract could have major implications for the Lakers moving forward. If he chooses to remain with the team, he is set to earn over $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season. The Lakers must carefully navigate this situation to ensure the team’s success in the future.