The Lakers have experienced ups and downs this season. But now, there may be need to worry about their superstar player’s future with the team.
Brian Windhorst, an ESPN NBA Insider has opened up about LeBron James’ future with Los Angeles, saying that nothing is guaranteed for him to be with the Lakers next year.
“I don’t know what’s gonna happen with LeBron in 2025,” the journalist said on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, as covered by Sports Illustrated.
“I feel like LeBron’s going to play next year, but I don’t know if it’s going to be for the Lakers —probably, but he’s got an opt-out.
“There’s reasons to have discussions about this.”
James, 39, inked a veteran maximum contract extension in 2022, which would make him a Laker until the end of the 2024-25 season.
But the four-time NBA MVP does have a player option, something he has to make a decision on by June 29 this year, according to Spotrac.
If he does opt out and becomes a free agent, he will be foregoing the $51.4 million he would be owed if he stays with the Lakers.
Things have been a rollercoaster for the Lakers, who sit at 20-21 and in 10th in the Western Conference entering Wednesday’s slate.
They did win the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, but overall, the Lakers have gone 9-12 since the start of December.
After two straight losses, Los Angeles did rebound with a win over the Thunder on Monday, with James chipping in 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
He said after the win that the team needs consistency.
“When we have high-assist games where guys are feeling in a rhythm, it’s a pretty good game for us,” James said Monday night. “We’ve got to try to look at this and be more consistent with that.”
James has notched 24.7 points, 7.5 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game this season, likely earning him his 20th career NBA All-Star nod.
