LeBron James Rumors: Expectation for Months Is Star Will Opt Out of Lakers Contract

LeBron James is reportedly almost certain to opt out of his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and hit free agency this summer.

On Wednesday's episode of Get Up (starts at :40 mark), ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the expectation around the NBA for months is that James will opt out of his deal. The reason for James opting out is "more for contract structure" than him having any real desire to leave the Lakers, according to Windhorst.

This is hardly going to come as a surprise revelation to the Lakers. Windhorst said in early April that James was likely to opt out "no matter what" in part because he could be seeking a no-trade clause and that could only be achieved in a new contract.

Rich Paul, James' agent, may have let it slip on the alternate broadcast during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday that James was going to opt out by saying his client "is a free agent."

When asked to clarify that statement by TNT Sports' Chris Haynes, Paul responded by walking back that comment.

"I don't know what he's gonna do," Paul said. "We're gonna do what we do every year. We're gonna evaluate the situation and we're gonna make the best decision."

James has a $51.4 million option for 2024-25 that must be decided by June 29. There are also additional financial benefits that he could gain on a new contract.

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, James will be eligible to sign a deal for up to three years and $162 million with the Lakers if he opts out. If that's what he ends up getting, it would be the richest contract of his NBA career, surpassing his original deal with Los Angeles for four years and $153.3 million.

Considering James' age (39) and his public acknowledgment that retirement is coming sooner than later, the Lakers could also look to work out a deal that benefits them while also keeping him happy.

Even though there is the looming threat that the Philadelphia 76ers could make a strong push to sign James, there doesn't seem to be much worry that the 20-time All-Star will ultimately be on the Lakers next season.

It could just depend on James and the Lakers finding common ground on a deal that works for both sides.