By NBA superstar LeBron James is reportedly planning to opt out of his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season, just days after the team drafted his son Bronny James. This move has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, raising questions about the future of James and the Lakers organization.
The timing of this decision is particularly intriguing, coming on the heels of Bronny James being selected by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. This selection set the stage for a potentially historic moment in NBA history, with LeBron and Bronny poised to become the first father-son duo to play together in the league.
Despite opting out of his current contract, sources suggest that LeBron is expected to sign a new deal with the Lakers, continuing his tenure with the team for a fifth season. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka hinted at the possibility of making NBA history, stating, “If it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
LeBron’s decision to opt out doesn’t necessarily indicate a desire to leave Los Angeles. Instead, it may be a strategic move to restructure his contract or potentially create more flexibility for the team’s roster construction. The four-time NBA champion has further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in history during his time with the Lakers, setting the all-time NBA points record and winning a championship in 2020.
Bronny James’ selection by the Lakers comes after a challenging single season of college basketball at USC. The 19-year-old guard’s collegiate career was marred by a cardiac arrest incident in July 2023, which limited his playing time and impact. Despite averaging only 4.8 points in 19.4 minutes per game, the Lakers saw enough potential to draft him, likely with an eye toward the future and the possibility of pairing him with his father.
As the NBA world awaits LeBron’s next move, speculation abounds about the potential impact of having both James men on the same team. The prospect of this father-son duo suiting up for the Lakers has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike, potentially providing LeBron with a new source of motivation as he enters the latter stages of his illustrious career.
This developing story will undoubtedly continue to dominate NBA headlines in the coming weeks, as the basketball community eagerly anticipates LeBron’s decision and the potential realization of a unique family legacy in the sport’s history.
Daily MailOnline
