For the time being, LeBron James wants to remain a Laker and the Lakers want to keep James in Los Angeles.
The Warriors inquired about James’ availability prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, according to ESPN, and were rejected by the superstar and the Lakers. Despite the allure of playing with Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ fading dominance and lackluster record this season didn’t trump living the L.A. lifestyle.
However, things could change come the summer time, when James can become a free agent thanks to a player option that was part of the two-year, $99 million extension he signed in the summer of 2022.
If he opts out of a $51.4 million salary for 2024-25, James would be on the hunt for what could be the last multi-year deal of his career.
