LeBron James Makes Declarative Statement on His Future Amid Varying Reports

LeBron James Makes Declarative Statement on His Future Amid Varying Reports

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday in order to provide an update on his future amid the slew of reports that emerged following the Lakers' playoff exit on Monday evening.

James issued a statement in which he declared that no decision has been made of yet and that he's currently prioritizing spending time with his family.

"I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future," James wrote. "I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know."

James has the potential to opt out of his current deal with Los Angeles and hit unrestricted free agency. Doing so would enable him to re-up with the Lakers on a new contract, one which would likely carry him through to retirement, though he could also potentially leave and sign with a new team.

Alternatively, James could opt into the final year of his deal which would pay him $51.4 million in 2024-25. He'd be eligible for a two-year contract extension in August which would pay him an additional $112 million from '25 to '27.

James made clear that he's not yet made up his mind regarding his next steps following his 20th NBA season, and he plans to discuss with his representation before making an announcement.

LeBron James No Longer Prioritizing Teaming Up With Bronny, per Report

LeBron James No Longer Prioritizing Teaming Up With Bronny, per Report

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has many decisions to make regarding his future with his current franchise, but according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, teaming up with his eldest son Bronny in the NBA is no longer a priority for the 39-year-old.

During an appearance on NBA Today, Wojnarowski reported on James's plans for the offseason, including the opt-out in the forward's current Lakers' contract which has a deadline of June 29.

Wojnarowski said he's spoken with James's agent Rich Paul, who indicated that LeBron's main priority is helping Bronny find the best situation for himself.

"I think that's the priority for them as a family, what's best for Bronny James. If it ends up [LeBron and Bronny] together, then that would be great. But I don't get the sense that it's playing much of any role in LeBron James' decision on next season," said Wojnarowski, adding that "in all likelihood" LeBron would return to Los Angeles next year.

LeBron has not shied away from his desire to play alongside his son in the league, a sentiment that he's maintained for the last few years. It seems, however, that ensuring Bronny gets on the best path towards success in the NBA is something that will take precedence.

Wojnarowski indicated it's unlikely that the Lakers select Bronny with the No. 17 pick in the draft, a selection they're more likely to trade than use themselves. Los Angeles doesn't select again until pick No. 55, at which point it's unlikely Bronny would still be available.

Darvin Ham Blasts Unnamed Lakers Starter in NSFW Reflection on Season

Darvin Ham Blasts Unnamed Lakers Starter in NSFW Reflection on Season

The Los Angeles Lakers were bounced from the opening round of the 2024 NBA playoffs Monday night, and reflections on a disappointing season have already begun. After suffering a 4–1 gentleman's sweep against the Denver Nuggets, coach Darvin Ham appeared to criticize an unnamed starter.

In an article published Tuesday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin quoted Ham discussing the difficulties of of the 2023-24 season. He did not hold back discussing the shortcomings of an unnamed player on his roster.

"It's been extremely challenging. Everyone that's been in and out of the lineup," Ham said to McMenamin. "Being criticized for not having a consistent rotation when I don't have consistent healthy bodies. The thing that frustrates me, and I love this job, I love the pressure that comes with it, I've always been calm in the midst of chaos ... [But] common sense tends to go out the window when you talk about my job in particular."

Ham continued, "It's amazing how people just skip that core part of having a consistency with your lineup is all predicated on health and performance. If you're coaching a team and one of your starters is like 10 games in a row, just s---ting the bed, what are you going to do?"

It's not clear if Ham is talking about one of his players or throwing out a hypothetical, but it's pretty easy to assume it's the former. The question is which starter could he be referring to? There are really three options.

Ham benched Austin Reaves for a long stretch after the guard began the season slowly. While Reaves played in all 82 regular-season games, he only started 57 of them. Ham also sent Taurean Prince to the bench for a long stretch after he opened the season as a starter. The third option would be D'Angelo Russell, who had his characteristic up-and-down season with some tremendous highs and depressing lows.

Ham appears to be opening up like a guy who knows his time is limited. The Lakers don't have time to wait around for their coach to figure it out. LeBron James is nearing the end of his incredible career, Anthony Davis isn't getting any younger and the team spent money to put pieces in place around them last offseason.

The season was a roller coaster from the start. The Lakers finished 47–35, besting their record from Ham's first season in charge (43–39), and they won the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. But after reaching the Western Conference finals in 2023, they bowed out quickly in 2024. There doesn't seem to have been much improvement across the board. Whether that's on Ham or not is left for owner Jeanie Buss to decide.

It will be fascinating to see how things shake out in Los Angeles, but Ham isn't going down without having his say.