Could the Los Angeles Lakers ask forward LeBron James to take a pay cut? That’s something being tossed around by an NBA reporter. While this might be potentially in the works down the road, there’s no clear-cut evidence that this is going to take place.
Why Lakers Forward LeBron James Might Play for Less Money
On Monday, ESPN NBA reporter Ramona Shelburne, in an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today” program, discussed the possibility of a pay cut for James. The Oh No He Didn’t account posted on X a clip of Shelburne’s appearance on the show.
“The sense I have is that this idea of playing for $50M anywhere is probably gone but if (Lebron) is willing to play for less, if that fits with what (the Lakers) are trying to do, I think that door is open,” Shelburne said.
What does James’ contract situation look like right now with the Lakers? According to Spotrac and its information, “LeBron James signed a 2-year, $101,355,998 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, including $101,355,998 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $50,677,999.
“In 2025-26, James will earn a base salary of $52,627,153, while carrying a cap hit of $52,627,153 and a dead cap value of $52,627,153,” Spotrac reported. Throughout his NBA career playing for the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat, James has reported NBA career earnings of $581,375,548.
Ramona:
“The sense I have is that this idea of playing for $50M anywhere is probably gone but if (Lebron) is willing to play for less, if that fits with what (the Lakers) are trying to do, I think that door is open” pic.twitter.com/ePVU76wKQo
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) March 23, 2026
So, how is King James looking according to this season’s statistics? He’s averaging 21.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game for the Lakers.
The 2003 NBA Draft overall No. 1 pick of the Cavaliers is shooting 51.4% from the floor and 31.5% from beyond the 3-point arc. James has played in 50 games this season for Los Angeles.
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The Lakers, who have clinched a postseason spot, are currently 46-25 heading into Monday night’s games. They are 10 games behind the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and 7 games behind the second-place San Antonio Spurs.
James has won NBA championships with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers. On Monday night, the Lakers hit the road to play the red-hot Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Los Angeles then heads to Indiana to face the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday night.
When it comes to contract matters, James will ask for advice and wisdom from his longtime agent, Rich Paul. They’ll put their heads together and see if this potential pay cut is worth considering. James might be happy to finish his NBA career in Los Angeles, but he also might want one more run with the Cavaliers if it can be worked out.
