LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Lakers, but he is expected to sign a deal with the team while in free agency, CBS Sports reports.
The decision to withdraw came a few days after the team won the son of an NBA Draft superstar.
James, entering his 21st season of professional basketball, decided to opt out of the player option in his previous contract, which would have paid him $51.4 million during the 2024-2025 season. He previously signed an $85 million contract extension in 2021 after winning his fourth NBA Finals and continued to make lucrative deals with the Lakers.
During his two-decade career, James has earned nearly $500 million from the three teams he’s played for: the Lakers, the Miami Heat and his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the years prior to his stint with the Lakers, James earned approximately $234 million, according to Spottrac.
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In the 2023-2024 season, James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.
The Lakers selected James’ son Bronny in the second round of this year’s NBA draft after his lone season at the University of Southern California. This makes them the first active father-son duo in the competition.
“Passing by here and getting emotional just thinking about your journey so far!” the NBA star wrote. “Thank you for letting me be your father and part of your compass through life’s trials and tribulations!”
In his lone season at USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals, somewhat hampered by cardiac arrest caused by a Congenital heart defect.
Bronny was a highly touted player at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth and was ultimately selected by Team USA to play at the 2023 Nike Hoops Summit.
