DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round One Game Five of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 29, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James Rumors: 'Sense' Lakers Star Goes Year-to-Year amid Contract Decision

Julia StumbaughJun 30, 2024

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski says there is a "sense" that LeBron James will make contract decisions on an annual basis going forward.

"There's a sense, probably, LeBron James starts to really take this year-to-year," Wojnarowski said on ESPN's SportsCenter (0:55 mark.)

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James has already decided to opt out of the $51.4 player option he had for the 2024-25 season.

He is eligible for a three-year, $162-million contract, but Wojnarowski indicated the Lakers star will likely opt for a shorter-term deal heading into his age-40 season.

The size of that contract will depend on whether the Lakers are able to add an "impact player" this offseason, Wojnarowski reported.

The ESPN analyst believes James would be willing to take an amount below the maximum if the Lakers are able to add a player like James Harden, Klay Thompson or Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency.

With former USC product Bronny James, joining the Lakers next fall, James may want maximum flexibility in order to react to wherever his eldest son's NBA future takes him. The Lakers, who want their superstar back at all costs, seem to be willing to sign whichever deal James prefers.