The future of LeBron James is continuing to dominate speculation as the Lakers superstar weighs whether to return to Los Angeles, retire, or sign with another team.
The 41-year-old is set to hit free agency this offseason, and an NBA insider has now shared an update on his possible plans.
NBA Insider Provides Update On LeBron James’ Lakers Future
James has so far been coy about his plans for the offseason and made it clear last week that he will not make a decision before free agency kicks off in late June. NBA insider Brian Windhorst has now provided some insight into how free agency might unfold for the four-time NBA champion.
“LeBron has to work out his future with the Lakers first. From what I am told, the LeBron side is waiting for the Lakers to come to him.”
“They would like for the Lakers to come and say, ‘LeBron, here’s our plan for you’. If they’re offering less than the max, say, ‘Here’s why. We’re going to use this cap space to sign these players and this is where you slide in,’” he said on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” on Wednesday.
Windhorst also noted that James will first have to discuss his options with the Lakers, and other teams could enter the mix if their negotiations fail. He believes that if LeBron were to leave the Lakers this summer, a sign-and-trade would be the best way for him to earn significant money.
Further, he claimed that, to return to the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers, or to play for the Golden State Warriors, James may well have to sign a minimum deal.
“If [after negotiating with the Lakers] LeBron entertains other teams, then he must entertain what he’s willing to play for. Is he only willing to go where he can be signed and traded so he would have substantial earnings? Is he going to want something else? If that fails and he’s willing to play for the minimum, then you bring in the concept of he could go to the Golden State Warriors, the Miami Heat, or the Cleveland Cavaliers,” he added.
It still remains to be seen whether LeBron will return to the NBA for a 24th season. The 6-foot-9 guard showed no signs of slowing down this year as he guided the Lakers to the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference while averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.
James then raised his level in the playoffs but couldn’t prevent the Lakers from being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
