Lakers reporter revealed: Star James will reject player options & re-sign 1+1 fat contract

On June 14, NBA Lakers team reporters revealed that 40-year-old veteran star James will most likely choose to refuse to execute the $52.6 million player option contract with the Lakers next season in the offseason to regain his free spirit. Although there is a theoretical possibility of leaving the Lakers, the Lakers management will definitely do its best to keep James, and the two sides may re-establish a 1+1 contract extension for two years. Conservatively estimated that the total salary will not be less than $110 million. In short, James will be very satisfied, and he will be given the trade veto in the second year.

40-year-old James played for the Lakers in the 2024-2025 season. He played in a total of 40 games in the regular season, averaged 35.0 minutes per game, scored 24.4 points + 7.8 rebounds + 8.2 assists + 1.0 steals + 0.6 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 51.0%, a three-point shooting percentage of 35.0%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 78.0%.

40-year-old James led the Lakers to a regular season record of 50 wins and 32 losses this season to secure third place in the Western Conference to advance to the playoffs, and was eliminated by the Timberwolves 1-4 in the first round. Even if James returns to freedom in the offseason, the Lakers will not give up leaving easily. After all, he is the face of the Lakers and will give him a more tempting contract extension. I hope he can achieve a smooth transition period for Doncic to become the head of the Lakers, and James is also the largest ticket income guarantee for the Lakers at home.