We’re entering another summer where LeBron James will be deciding on his basketball future.
The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer has until June 29 to decide whether to play under his current contract, which pays him $51.4 million, or exercise his player option and become an unrestricted free agent.
James’ decision could largely be impacted by who the Lakers hire as their next head coach. Another factor could be where his son, Bronny James, lands. While recent reports have suggested that LeBron won’t make a concerted effort to ensure that he teams up with his eldest son in the NBA, if he’s given a choice between two contenders, and one has his son, then it may be hard to say no.
LeBron James keeping all options on the table
Ultimately, the decision is LeBron’s to make, and based on recent feedback, the 20-time NBA All-Star still hasn’t come close to making up his mind.
According to The Athletic, LeBron is still weighing his options ahead of free agency.
“League sources told The Athletic that the opt-in and opt-out routes are both on the table, and the leading scorer in NBA history is expected to play up to two more seasons.”
NBA sources on LeBron James’ free agency decision
Two more seasons would have LeBron playing until he’s 41. Yet, he still averaged north of 25 PPG, 7 APG, and 8 RPG in his 21st NBA season. We don’t expect one of basketball’s best players of all-time to suddenly drop off next year either, yet the next contract he agrees to could be the last one LeBron ever signs in the NBA.