LeBrons Not Leaving Lakers, He Is Just Negotiating

LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul, could probably write a book on negotiating contracts in the era of social media. The last chapter's title would probably be something like How To Use A Threat To Maximize Your Last Contract.

On Friday Night, James's agent, Kliutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, joined TNT's alternative broadcast and said:

“LeBron is a free agent.” but stops short of confirming he will decline his player option.

As great as the photos are of James in a 76ers and Knicks uniform, the magic eight ball says, "The probability is high that James signs a max deal with the Lakers." The second part of James's stay with the Lakers most likely includes the Lakers drafting Bronny James with their second-round 55th pick.

James has until June 29 to decide on the player option, three days after the 2024 NBA Draft, when Bronny is expected to be selected.

Even though James isn't technically a free agent, he essentially operates as one. He can exit his contract, and while he can't directly negotiate with teams yet, he knows all 30 teams would be interested in signing him. If he's open to other opportunities, he can explore them independently before deciding.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer has thoughts on the 76ers potential free agency moves.

“The Sixers do have their eyes on other lucrative-salary impact players just in case they don’t get George,” Pompey said. “That’s why they also are looking at potential free agents like the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.”

From a roster standpoint, James joining either the 76ers or the New York Knicks makes a lot of sense. Still, with James's business interests in Los Angeles, it's hard to imagine that Paul's comments are any other than a negotiating tactic designed to maximize his last NBA contract.