LeBron James has officially made a choice about his free agency. As expected, the 39-year-old superstar declined his player option for next season, leaving him an unrestricted free agent. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is great news for the Los Angeles Lakers.
James is widely anticipated to return to the Lakers on a long-term deal. According to the most recent report from Chris Haynes of The Bleacher Report, he may even make a significant sacrifice so that Los Angeles can develop a better roster around him and Anthony Davis. James is reportedly thinking about taking a pay cut so that the Lakers can use the whole mid-level exception in free agency.
With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/rzew2q2V9Q
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2024
Lakers News: LeBron James Considers Making a Financial Sacrifice.
This would necessitate LeBron James accepting less than his maximum-available contract. He is eligible for a three-year, $162 million contract this summer, which the Lakers are clearly eager to provide him. However, if James accepts a slight discount, the Lakers may use the mid-level exception to pursue free agents.
This would most likely require the Lakers to move D’Angelo Russell in order to free up the required cap money.
Christopher Haynes’ usage of the word “right targets” is fascinating. Who does James believe are the best free-agent targets?
The total MLE for the upcoming season is estimated to be around $13 million. Can the Lakers get enough of a difference-maker with that money? Caleb Martin, Tyus Jones, and Derrick Jones Jr. are among the free agents expected to sign contracts for roughly that amount. Would LeBron actually give up his own earnings so the Lakers could sign one of these players?
It’s unclear whether James will sign for less money this offseason, but it could be the only chance the Lakers have to create a championship-caliber group in the stacked Western Conference next season.
