The Los Angeles Lakers are comfortable letting LeBron James play out the final year of his contract and clearly do not view him as a long-term piece. Brian Windhorst clearly outlined the scenario in the latest Hoop Collective podcast. James opted in to his $52.6 million player option, but that was it. Here is what Windy said.
“Rich Paul told me that they didn’t have material conversations with the Lakers about a new contract.”
Windhorst made it clear that James didn’t request a new contract, and the Lakers didn’t extend an offer. There were no discussions, which is shocking after LeBron was named second-team All-NBA in 2025.