The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly not planning to grant LeBron James a buyout, despite whispers around the league after his latest contract decision.
Rich Paul, announced 40-year-old LeBron would opt into the final year of his two-year, $101 million deal.
The move came just as free agency opened, sparking talk that James might seek a buyout similar to Damian Lillard’s exit from Milwaukee.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst quickly poured cold water on the idea.
“The idea of buying out James’ contract – even if he gives back a chunk of money – also doesn’t make logical sense,” they wrote. “This isn’t the situation the Milwaukee Bucks were in with Damian Lillard, a future Hall of Famer sitting out with a torn left Achilles. This is a player who was second-team All-NBA last season for the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed, and with a less than 100% version of Doncic. What good would it do for the Lakers to simply let James walk?”
The Lakers appear determined to retain leverage with their franchise icon, especially given his production last season. Moving James without getting assets in return would be unprecedented for a player of his caliber still performing at an elite level.
A buyout would allow James to hit the open market immediately, but Los Angeles is making it clear they are not in the business of giving up stars for nothing.
For now, LeBron remains locked in for at least one more year in purple and gold, but as always in the NBA, the next move could come at any moment.
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