Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 'Early indications point toward' LeBron James opting out of contract

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 4/30/24

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has a massive $51.4 million decision coming up. That is the contract he’s going to be guaranteed to earn in 2024-25 should he choose to pick up the final year of his contract with the Lakers.

Following LA’s heartbreaking 4-1 series loss to the Denver Nuggets, however, some doubt has now been cast on LeBron’s future in Hollywood.

Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James Expected to Opt Out of Contract

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, LeBron will not be picking up his player option for next season. This only means that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will be the biggest name on the market once free agency opens on June 30:

“Early indications point toward the 20-time All-Star opting out of his contract in order to create flexibility by becoming an unrestricted free agent for what could be the final time in his career, league sources told ClutchPoints,” Siegel wrote.

While this will put Lakers fans on the edge of their seats, the fact of the matter is that this does not necessarily mean that LeBron is leaving LA. James could be moving towards signing a long-term extension with the Lakers, which could potentially keep him in Hollywood until he retires.

For their part, the Lakers are keen on keeping their superstar on board, with the organization reportedly open to offering the four-time NBA champ a max extension for three years.

Be that as it may, there is no guarantee that LeBron will stay with the Lakers beyond this season. The fact that he’s expected to become an unrestricted free agent this summer opens up a whole world of opportunities for the 39-year-old.