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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers acknowledges fans following the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Once the NBA offseason begins, LeBron James is expected to decline his $50.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him an unrestricted free agent. However, fans shouldn’t get excited over the prospect of LeBron leaving L.A. This move is widely believed to be a strategic decision rather than an indication that he plans to part with the franchise.

LeBron’s Likely Opt-Out

If LeBron James returns for the 2025-26 season, he will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons. The question is, who will James be playing for?

According to ClutchPoints’s Brett Siegel, LeBron is expected to opt out of his current deal but re-sign with the Lakers on a new contract. This would give the team additional financial flexibility to improve the roster. “This has been James’ strategy through the years,” Siegel said, “signing these unique ‘1+1’ contracts which give him and the Lakers flexibility to adjust their cap numbers accordingly.”

LeBron is in his seventh season with the Lakers. At 40 years old, James has continued to defy time, averaging 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.

What This Means for the Lakers

“Last offseason, James made it clear to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office that he would be willing to take a slight pay cut if it meant them targeting impactful talents who could increase the team’s championship odds,” Siegel added.

Adding Luka Doncic was a major step in doing that, but they need more around their dynamic duo.

After a 7-2 start, Los Angeles is just 9-6 with James and Doncic in the lineup. The Lakers, currently holding the fourth seed in the Western Conference, are still long shots to win a title this season.

They hope that with an upgraded roster around them and a full offseason and training camp together, LeBron and Luka can make the Lakers true contenders next season.

Though the fit hasn’t been perfect, it’s easy to see why the two future Hall-of-Famers can work. Doncic takes a lot of the playmaking and ball-handling load off of James, allowing LeBron to play his role as power forward more effectively.

Bronny James and LeBron’s Future

Another factor influencing LeBron’s decision is his son, Bronny James. James wants to claim a fifth championship with Bronny by his side.

“He wants to win,” sources told Anthony Irwin. “And he especially wants to win with Bronny (James). What’s to stop him from opting out and taking even less if he thinks it can lead to accomplishing that?”

Strategic Implications

With the NBA’s salary cap and tax implications evolving, teams must be wary of long-term financial commitments. LeBron’s next contract will likely balance his earnings with the Lakers’ ability to compete at a high level.

LeBron James’ expected decision to opt out of his contract is a calculated move that aligns with his history of leveraging financial flexibility for competitive advantage. While there is always the possibility of surprises in free agency, all signs point to him remaining in Los Angeles under a new deal. As the offseason unfolds, the NBA world will closely watch how this move influences the Lakers’ ability to add talent and remain contenders.