‘2 Teams’ Considering Potentially Discounted LeBron James In Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers were relatively quiet at the trade deadline, but did add Spencer Dinwiddie from the buyout market. The front office may have to make some moves in the offseason because LeBron James will be able to leave the team in free agency. Losing LeBron would be a big blow for the purple and gold, but he can definitely do that.

This opens a different perspective for the Lakers. LeBron’s two-year deal gives him a $54.1 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

Marc Stein from The Stein Line discussed LeBron’s willingness to leave the team in free agency.

“It seems far more likely than not that James will exercise it — where else is he getting a salary like that in his 22nd NBA season and with his 40th birthday looming on Dec. 30? — but the Lakers have to be prepared for all scenarios,” Stein wrote on February 12.

“I know of at least two teams on the NBA map that believe LeBron James would consider signing with them at far less than $51.4 million if Bronny James is on the roster. There might be more.”

"The minute you see Bronny James declare for the draft, they know who's taking him and you know where LeBron James is going."@ChandlerParsons on where LeBron will play next season.

📺: https://t.co/qYBPWhYgh7 pic.twitter.com/PV0EN9Lofq

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 5, 2024

Rich Paul claims LeBron won’t leave the team in free agency

If you ask LeBron’s agent about their plans to test the open market, Rich Paul will say that they are not even trying to have him traded.

“LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be,” the agent said last week.

The Lakers will have to plan their future and find a replacement for LeBron in case he leaves the team.

“I can tell you this much: They’ve certainly convinced various rival teams that a Dejounte In/Trae Out course is going to be legitimately considered,” Stein wrote.

“The Hawks, to be clear, have not made a firm decision yet. This isn’t the time to lock into such a lane with 29 games left in Atlanta’s season and a trip to the Play-In round, at the very least, more than within reach. How the rest of the season plays out is obviously going to factor into those next steps.”