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

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.)

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.