Latest on LeBron James’ Contract Status With the Lakers
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The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to present LeBron James with a new contract proposal, ESPN insider Shams Charania said on NBA Today.
According to Charania, the two sides held a brief “check-in” call immediately after the NBA Finals, when teams were first allowed to negotiate with their own free agents. Since that conversation, Charania reported, there has been little communication and “certainly not an offer yet.”
The situation does not necessarily indicate a rift, Charania noted. The Lakers are weighing how to deploy an estimated $50 million in salary-cap flexibility as they continue to assemble a roster around Luka Doncic. “They’re trying to see what can they do with his $50 million of space, potentially,” Charania said. “And then where does that leave LeBron?”
Los Angeles has already secured a four-year commitment from guard Austin Reaves, whose cap hold allows other offseason moves to be completed before his deal is formally signed.
James, 39, has not announced whether he will return for a 24th NBA season, a decision that has sparked speculation about possible destinations. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are often mentioned because of James’ history with Cleveland and his friendships with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. To date, however, there have been no credible reports of trade discussions or free-agency negotiations involving either team.
For now, the market—and the Lakers—remain in a holding pattern as the four-time MVP weighs his next step.
Source: Hoops Wire
