Even as a 40-year-old LeBron James still remains one of the best players in the NBA.
So much so that alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James is viewed as the most talented player on the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the Lakers trading for Doncic is a clear indication that the franchise is preparing for life after James’ retirement.
While James is yet to give an indication of his retirement, there is another factor for the Lakers to consider regarding the 10-time NBA finalist – whether or not he will opt into his $52.6 million player option this summer.
James currently has one of the best contracts in the league due to a no-trade clause. In the past, it wouldn’t have been a question if James would opt into his option.
However, considering he is already 40 years old, there are doubts if his opting in would mean it would be his final NBA season.
LA Lakers insider Anthony Irwin recently presented two scenarios he sees for James if he opts into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season.
“If he opts in, the indication would be that he’s considering retirement because it allows him to just have a nice clean cut at the end of the season,” Irwin said on the Buha’s Block podcast.
But what if he signs a one-plus-one deal like he has in the past?
“If he signs a one-plus-one, the second year of that contract, if he wants to retire, [it] would be calling to him like the Green Goblin mask,” Irwin added.
Irwin used a popular pop culture reference from the Spider-Man movies where Norman Osborn, a.k.a. The Green Goblin, has often been seen having a temptation battle with the mask.
In doing so, the Lakers insider implied that if James signs another two-year deal, he won’t be able to fend off the temptation to retire before fulfilling his NBA contract.
After all, the Lakers are James’ third team in his NBA career, the 4x NBA MVP has never once demanded a trade. That means James has always played out his entire contract.
Even the slight chance of James opting out of his deal and becoming one of the top free agents this summer would entice many teams around the NBA.
But what if he opts out, simply to sign a new deal? Or if he takes the Karl Malone route and signs a veteran minimum contract?
“Some of the people that I talked to with the Lakers, they were saying that’s not how they have treated any core superstar, ever,” Irwin continued.
He concluded: “So indications are they would probably meet LeBron’s demands, whatever they would be.”
Now, this would be an interesting situation. After all, if James takes a pay cut, it would certainly improve his and Doncic’s chances of winning an NBA Championship.
But does he deserve less money? Certainly not. LBJ averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in Year 22 of his illustrious NBA career.
