LeBron James is still playing at a high level at age 39, averaging 25.2 points, 8.1 assists and 7.3 rebounds a game while shooting a high percentage. However, his immediate future after this season is up in the air.
He has a player option for next season that he can decline to become a free agent this summer. There has been speculation he could leave, especially after two teams made a bold push to trade for him last month.
But more and more, there seems to be a feeling James will stay put. Jovan Buha of The Athletic said he expects the Los Angeles Lakers to give the 39-year-old a three-year contract and that the superstar will most likely retire as a member of the Purple and Gold (h/t Fadeaway World).
“I do expect them to sign him to a 3 year max contract. There’s three things that can occur,” said Buha. “One: Three year extension. 2 years + player option. Two: Opt out and sign a 3 year extension without player option. Three: Opt out and sign with another team. I do expect him and LA to come to an agreement. I do think it’s most likely LeBron ends his career as a Laker.”
James has plenty of reasons to stay with the Lakers. For one, his eldest son, Bronny, could end up staying in school at the University of Southern California, and his younger son, Bryce, is in his junior year of high school at Sierra Canyon School.
With a few tweaks to their roster, perhaps the Lakers can win another NBA championship if the four-time MVP remains with them next season.