James will be 40 next summer. Like many NBA stars today, he loves giving himself the player option. Now, his NBA future is truly year-to-year.
James agreed to this maximum contract after the Lakers failed to add a third superstar to their roster, something that he, along with fellow star Anthony Davis, pressured the team into doing.
As free agency opened, the Lakers somewhat comedically whiffed on every big name available, including Paul George, who went to the Philadelphia 76ers. Reports indicate that the Lakers had a competitive offer for Golden State Warriors sniper Klay Thompson, who ultimately chose to work with Luka Doncic and LeBron’s old buddy Kyrie Irving with the Dallas Mavericks.
Hell, even Jonas Valencunias, who should only loosely be considered an All-Star-caliber player, decided to take a paycheck from the Washington Wizards instead of the Lakers.
For whatever reason, these NBA stars seem hesitant to team up with James and Davis in Los Angeles. Perhaps it’s because they don’t know if James will continue playing after this season. Perhaps the circus surrounding hiring rookie head coach JJ Redick and drafting Bronny James was just too much.
Regardless of the reason, one thing is certain: The Lakers have not improved much this offseason. Sure, Dalton Knecht was a nice draft value pick at No. 17 overall. But other than that? Not much.
It’s easy to understand why James would only commit for one year. His advanced age surely complicates his NBA future, and he even acknowledged that earlier this season.
“Not very long. Not very long,” James said when asked about his future. “I’m on the other side, obviously, of the hill. So I’m not going to play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know what or when that door will close as far as when I retire, but I don’t have much time left.”
If this season in Los Angeles goes poorly, James can get out of that deal because of his player option and do the farewell tour somewhere else, maybe Cleveland or Miami.
If things go well, James can elect to opt into the last year of his contract with the Lakers, something that he’s never done before, and ride off into the sunset of Los Angeles.
No matter which way things go for the Lakers this season, James will have flexibility and the ability to do whatever he wants. He holds the cards in this situation. He will write the ending of how his storied career is finished.
