Los Angeles Lakers officials are negotiating with LeBron James on a new agreement that would keep the four-time MVP in purple and gold for what would be a record 24th NBA season, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported.
“I think LeBron’s intention is to play, and I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers,” Windhorst said Monday on ESPN Cleveland.
James, 39, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. League rules allow him to negotiate exclusively with Los Angeles until the league-wide free-agency period opens at the end of the month, and Windhorst indicated those discussions are already under way. “Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating … going back and forth,” he added.
The primary sticking point appears to be financial. The size of a new contract is expected to hinge on how much salary-cap room the Lakers need to pursue other offseason targets and upgrade the roster around Luka Doncic and, presumably, Austin Reaves.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers and other clubs continue to monitor the situation, Windhorst noted that alternative scenarios would likely surface only if talks in Los Angeles stall. “If in 14 days he is at an impasse with the Lakers and there is no deal there, then I think other teams, like the Cavs, should stand to attention,” he said.
For now, indications around the league point to James remaining in Los Angeles, with both sides working toward an agreement before free agency officially begins.
Source: Hoops Wire
