LeBron James is a free agent. What is known so far
Artemy Berstenev June 30, 2024, 14:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The remodeling season has begun and all eyes are on the king of the parquet floor.
Once the clock strikes 1:00 a.m. ET on July 1, one of the most exciting times of the year for NBA fans will begin: the free agent market. “Championship” will follow every step: from those transactions that may go unnoticed to those that will cause a storm of discussion. At the end of this paragraph you will see a block, by clicking on it you can go to the corresponding page. But LeBron James has already upped the ante by turning down a $51.4 million contract extension with the Lakers, becoming an unrestricted free agent and adding intrigue to upcoming transfer battles. Now all eyes are on him: what will he choose next?
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LeBron and his agent Rich Paul are not shy about saying it clearly: In order for the Lakers to sign another key player, James is willing to make financial concessions. If he agrees to a lower salary, it would give the team the option to use the full MLE (mid-level exception), and that is not an insignificant change, but a whopping $12.9 million. The forward wants the team to target players like Klay Thompson or James Harden. If the Lakers fail to attract that player, then, according to Paul, LeBron will insist on the maximum salary.
LeBron is showing willingness to make a deal for the sake of the larger goal of strengthening the Lakers. Signing Klay Thompson? This is no longer a dream, but a very real scenario if the MLE proves to be enough of an incentive. And if Thompson does decide to move, it will be possible thanks to LeBron’s willingness to make concessions. Golden State is already preparing for the possible loss of its star shooting guard, which could mean the end of the era of the famous trio of Curry and Green, decorated with four championship titles.
LeBron James and Thorin Prince vs Klay Thompson, 2023/2024 season
Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
If the Lakers fail to land a relatively star player for MLE, James will likely demand a max contract. The size of this deal? In one of the latest Championship articles, we wrote the following: “LeBron James is considering signing a new three-year contract, rumored to be worth $160 million. This contract includes one condition that is not included in a standard extension: a. clause of impossibility of exchange. This gives him financial security and strategic flexibility, as any discussion of a trade cannot occur without his consent.”
As James sets his sights on gold in Paris, the Lakers are considering options to bolster their squad. Signing a free agent seems the easiest and most risk-free option. However, the possibility of a trade is also still valid, albeit with great difficulties. Given Los Angeles’ offensive deficiencies, the choice between Harden and Thompson could be key.
It is a typical leak of information in two parts: first, the rejection of the option, then, the future potential of the basketball player, to get the most out of the news. Rumors will soon begin to circulate about all the teams that could theoretically consider signing LeBron. Imagine James turning down a new contract with the Lakers to return to Cleveland or Miami. Or better yet, he suddenly withdraws. But let’s face it: this is unlikely to happen. So why all this theatrical attention, given the arrival of eldest son Bronny?
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