The Los Angeles Lakers have a crucial offseason this summer. A lot of changes are on the horizon for the Lakers, and the assumption is that they will be for the better.
The Lakers made a massive move prior to the deadline to acquire international superstar Luka Doncic. Now, this offseason, whether they get the job done or not, the plan will be to revolve their team around Doncic.
Keeping Doncic long-term is at the top of their list, but so is retaining their superstar and longest-tenured Laker, LeBron James. James is likely to be a free agent this summer, and while he is likely to opt out of his deal, there is little chance he leaves the Lakers.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points noted that James would opt out but ultimately sign back with the Lakers.
"LeBron will likely opt out of his $50.6 million player option, but he is not expected to leave Los Angeles, league sources told ClutchPoints. This has been James' strategy through the years, signing those unique "1+1" contracts which give him and the Lakers flexibility to adjust their cap numbers accordingly," said Siegel.
This comes as no surprise, and that is the expectation for James. Doncic is a player who takes a load off James. He doesn't have to be the primary ball-handler like he was before. This is good news for Lakers fans and James.
With Doncic on his side, James can handle the role of more of a traditional power forward who can handle the ball at times and hit the occasional spot-up three.
Last offseason, James told general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office that he was willing to take a pay cut for a player of significance. That should be no different this year, and this time, the Lakers will have room to make a move or two to seriously bolster the roster.
The Lakers may not be able to compete seriously for a title this season, but that should all change next season as they'll have a full offseason to establish chemistry.
James is expected to enter his 23rd NBA season in the fall of 2025 and his eighth season in Tinseltown.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 5:41 PM.