LeBron James Has Decisions to Make With His Contract. What's Best for the Lakers?

We learned heading into the weekend that even if the Lakers managed to push through Game 5 and extend their series with Minnesota, they'd likely finish whatever playoff run remained without LeBron James, who suffered a strained MCL in Wednesday's loss. 

Now, of course, it's on to the business of the offseason. And while the team doesn't belong to James anymore, his choices are likely to be most impactful in the near term for LA. (Luka Dončić is expected to choose whatever type of contact extension structure he wants, and the Lakers will happily provide it.) LeBron heads into this season with a player option, and what comes next will have a big influence on how the Lakers built what they hope to be a championship caliber squad in both the near and long term. 

LeBron could opt in to the last deal of his contract, and essentially make himself an unrestricted free agent next season. 

He could opt out, and sign a deal that leaves money on the table, allowing the Lakers to get a better class of free agent—a full mid-level exception rather than a taxpayer mid-level. He could opt out and sign a one year deal for the max. He could also continue with the pattern of one-and-ones, where he signs a two year deal where only the first year is guaranteed, and the second would be a player option. 

So which one is best for the Lakers? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: LeBron has options!

SEGMENT 2: What those options mean for LA. 

SEGMENT 3: What's best for the Lakers? 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4kDid you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required.

BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. 

UpworkVisit Upwork.comright now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level. 

OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Door DashSign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply.

• Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purc