LeBron James could return for his 24th NBA season. The future of the upcoming unrestricted free agent remains uncertain, as there is a chance he could retire. If he decides to return and continue his career, however, there is also a question about which team he’d play for.
According to reports, James’ warriors-could-offer-053016020.html">projected salary for the 2026-27 season is around $50 million. For the Los Angeles Lakers, it puts them in a tricky situation if they sign the four-time champion to that deal. The Lakers are also prioritizing signing Austin Reaves to a new contract extension.
Longtime NBA writer Brad Turner suggested on Thursday that the Lakers should sign James for a longer deal.
Turner said that LeBron James can still get his $50 million if he signs a two-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers.
“I’m gonna throw this out there: (LeBron) comes back on a two-year deal at $25M per season with a player option and a no-trade clause,” Turner said. “Therefore, he gets his $50 million, just does not get it in one season. I’m negotiating the deal right there.”
“I’m gonna throw this out there: (LeBron) comes back on a two-year deal at $25M per season with a player option and a no-trade clause,” Turner said. “Therefore, he gets his $50 million, just does not get it in one season. I’m negotiating the deal right there.”
Turner said that this scenario gives the Lakers more room and flexibility to negotiate a deal with other players, especially with Reaves. However, it just gives James two more seasons of action.
Could Meet With LeBron James to Try to Recruit Him to the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have emerged as a potential landing spot for LeBron James this summer. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Thursday that Stephen Curry will meet with James to try to recruit him to join the Warriors in free agency.
“League sources telling us at ClutchPoints that the Warriors are very much open to pursuing LeBron James and they plan to do so this offseason in free agency,” Siegel reported. “LeBron James, at the end of his career, he could still contribute a high level, we saw that in the playoffs. Pairing him with Stephen Curry is going to be something that the Warriors look to pursue over the next few weeks…
“It seemed very doubtful, it seemed low percentage, now it’s kind of questionable. Now there’s going to be some legs to this… That same source told us that Steph is planning on meeting and talking with LeBron about potentially joining the Warriors over the course of the next few weeks leading up to free agency.”
“League sources telling us at ClutchPoints that the Warriors are very much open to pursuing LeBron James and they plan to do so this offseason in free agency,” Siegel reported. “LeBron James, at the end of his career, he could still contribute a high level, we saw that in the playoffs. Pairing him with Stephen Curry is going to be something that the Warriors look to pursue over the next few weeks…
“It seemed very doubtful, it seemed low percentage, now it’s kind of questionable. Now there’s going to be some legs to this… That same source told us that Steph is planning on meeting and talking with LeBron about potentially joining the Warriors over the course of the next few weeks leading up to free agency.”
The major problem for the Warriors is that they cannot sign James to a $50 million deal since their payroll is capped out.
