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In the wake of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, LeBron James has a decision to make about his future in the NBA.
Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick, the Lakers “badly” want James back and they are open to discussing a three-year, $164 million max extension he’s eligible to sign this summer:
“This franchise has always been buoyed by the stars, and James’ ability to still play at an elite level at his advanced age has only strengthened the desire to have him retire in a purple-and-gold jersey one day. And after six seasons together in which there has been no shortage of ups and downs, (Jeanie) Buss and James, team sources say, have a relationship that is better than ever these days.”
James has to decide whether to opt in to his $51.4 million player option for next season by June 29.
When asked about his future after the Lakers’ 108-106 loss on Monday night, James told reporters he hasn’t made any decisions yet.
“I don’t have an answer … to be honest. I haven’t given it much thought,” he said.
The Athletic noted James’ relationship with the franchise “stabilized” after he seemed to be disillusioned earlier in the season by posting cryptic emojis on social media prior to the trade deadline.
LeBron James@KingJames
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported on Feb. 14 the Golden State Warriors tried to approach the Lakers and James prior to the trade deadline, but neither Los Angeles nor James were interested in a move.
In addition to his potential free agency, James will be spending the next few months preparing for what will almost certainly be his final appearance in the Olympics with Team USA this summer.
There has been no indication James wants to leave Los Angeles, but things could always change if a situation opens up that he thinks would provide him with a better opportunity to win a title before his career ends.
If James does sign a three-year deal with the Lakers, it would take him through his age-42 season. He’s already the oldest active player in the league and will turn 40 on Dec. 30.
While that would be a significant risk for any team to take, James proved this season at the age of 39 he’s still capable of playing at a high level. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in 71 starts.
