“Lakers Can Pay”: Billionaire LeBron James Believed To Ditch Bronny for $164 Million Enticement

Following the end of their 2023-24 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of work to do this offseason. The Denver Nuggets booted the Lakers out of the playoffs in five games. Their franchise star, LeBron James, hasn’t committed his future yet. With so much at stake for the LA side and the veteran, it has created a sense of uncertainty and intrigue. Everyone’s been asking, ‘What could be LeBron’s next move?’

His current contract has effectively ended. However, he does have a contract option worth $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season. Having said that, it remains to be seen if LeBron exercises that option. However, many feel he would opt for a new contract instead. Reportedly, James is also eligible for a three-year contract extension worth $164 million. And as per an NBA insider, he is leaning toward that option. In the latest episode of ESPN’s First Take, Brian Windhorst suggested that LeBron James won’t be taking any discount deals with the Lakers.

He said, “So historically…there is no negotiation with LeBron. It is Max or nothing. He obviously could have a change of heart, but the fact that the Lakers can pay him the $160 million. If there’s a concept of you getting LeBron for some discount, that’s historically been no go.”

If LeBron James decides to extend his stay at the Lakers, he’d probably also want assurances they’ll draft Bronny in the 2024 NBA Draft. But Rich Paul, who’s both the father and son’s agent, recently admitted that getting them professionally together on one roster isn’t his “top priority.” So, would LeBron be willing to let go of his dream of playing alongside Bronny in exchange for a $164 million contract extension?

Will LeBron James play with Bronny in the NBA?

LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished players out there. Only a few players can rival his impact. However, probably the only dream of pairing up with his son is something that still remains unfulfilled. Many a time in the last few seasons, the veteran expressed that he wanted to end his NBA journey that way. In 2023, he candidly said, “I need to be on the floor with my boy. I gotta be on the floor with Bronny, either on a same uniform or a matchup.”

However, nothing has gone according to the ideal script for Bronny. He had an underwhelming season with the USC Trojans, averaging only 4.8 ppg. His 25-game record wouldn’t have been too appealing for an NBA side scouting him, as he clocked in only 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot just 36.6% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. His under-par performances could’ve jeopardized that dream. However, an impressive showing in the Draft Combine has significantly re-boosted his chances in the NBA draft.

The Lakers have the 17th and 55th pick. Most experts don’t think they’ll go for Bronny at number 17, but there’s chatter that they might roll the dice on him with that 55th pick. Therefore, we might just see the first father-son duo to share a court in the NBA next season!