• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 11, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Will LeBron James Play Out Final $44M of Lakers Contract?

  • The Lakers’ short-term future was already looking uncertain.
  • Now, an early LeBron exit is becoming more conceivable by the day.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

At All-Star weekend in Cleveland, LeBron James told reporters he wouldn’t rule out a return to the Cavs. The 37-year-old has also made it clear that he wants to finish out his career with his oldest son, Bronny. 

Plus, James’ representatives are reportedly unhappy that the team didn’t trade the struggling Russell Westbrook at the deadline.

The Lakers’ short-term future was already looking uncertain — and now, an early LeBron exit is becoming more conceivable by the day.

  • James is an unrestricted free agent in 2023.
  • His contract doesn’t include a no-trade clause, and he’s owed $44 million next year. 
  • With Westbrook ($47M) on the books for one more year, the Lakers have no draft capital to help sweeten a deal — NOLA has the rights to their picks over the next four years.
  • James is eligible for a two-year extension worth $97.1 million.

Despite spending $120.8 million on their superstar trio — which rises to $129 million next season — the Lakers are the 9-seed and four games below .500, and Anthony Davis is out at least four-to-six weeks with an ankle injury. 

If the Lakers can’t get it together, would they consider ripping off the band-aid sooner rather than later?

This weekend, LeBron raved about Thunder GM Sam Presti’s eye for talent on draft day. And there’s a very good chance OKC will have a lottery pick in 2024, when Bronny becomes draft-eligible. Just saying.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.

Silver Defends NBA’s Second Apron As Competitive-Balance Tool

The commissioner points to an ongoing run of parity across the league.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Why Mark Cuban Sold the Dallas Mavericks When He Did

Cuban sold his majority stake to the Adelson family in December 2023.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Inside CFB’s Biggest Day of the Year

0:00

Featured Today

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
October 8, 2024

How the WWE’s Farm Circuit Became a Primetime Draw

NXT produces generational talent—and it occupies a new prime-time network slot.
A DraftKings sign
October 7, 2024

A DraftKings Exec Left for Fanatics. Then the Bitter Legal Battle Began

Mike Hermalyn has been sidelined at Fanatics for nine months now.
opinion
October 6, 2024

Where Is the Dang Game? Fragmentation Has Hit Fever Pitch

A correction is coming in the increasingly confusing landscape of live sports.
Jul 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The New Balance FuelCell MD-X spikes worn by Gabrielle Thomas aka Gabby Thomas (USA) in the women's 200m during the London Athletics Meet at London Stadium.

Olympic Sprinter Sues New Balance Over ‘Cracked’ Shoes

Khamica Bingham is a two-time Olympic sprinter for Canada.
October 10, 2024

Rafael Nadal to Retire: His Impact on Tennis, Endorsement Legacy

Nadal has been battling with injuries over the last few years.
October 11, 2024

Haason Reddick Fired by Own CAA Agents $9 Million Into Jets Holdout

The star rusher has not played all season over a contract dispute.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
October 9, 2024

PGA vs. LIV ‘Showdown’ Has International Ambitions

The inaugural match will be played in Las Vegas this December.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles while answering a question Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after an Indiana Fever practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
October 8, 2024

Next Up for Caitlin Clark Mania: Women’s Golf

The hoops sensation is scheduled to play in a pro-am on the LPGA Tour.
October 6, 2024

MLB Poised for Huge Viewership Gains

A Dodgers-Yankees World Series is on the table.
October 5, 2024

MLB Gets the Shohei Ohtani Postseason Treatment. The Value Is Immense

The Japanese superstar finally makes his playoff debut Saturday.