But it isn’t free. Aug. 4 is the first day James can extend his contract again. The Lakers will surely offer one. And James will have some demands before he accepts. The Lakers have a flawed roster — yes, James played a large role in putting it together but that doesn’t mean he isn’t ready to divorce it — but they have options. If Russell Westbrook picks up his own player option, he will be on a $47 million expiring contract. After only being able to trade their 2027 first-round pick — which the Lakers decided not to trade at the deadline, in part because they still owe two future firsts from the Anthony Davis deal — rules will then allow the Lakers to trade their 2029 pick.