$97 Million Decision Awaits LeBron James as His Lakers Future Comes Under the Microscope

LeBron James has a big decision to make with regard to his future in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Lakers will be hoping to tie him to a contract that keeps him in LA for the foreseeable future. While there are various factors to consider, one particular goal outweighs the rest. Only time will tell whether that ends up being the deciding factor.

James will soon be eligible for a two-year, $97 million contract extension. The 37-year-old has only one year remaining on his contract currently and as things stand, he will test free agency next summer. However, he has time to make this decision. It will probably come as a huge shock if he signs the contract as soon as he becomes eligible.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in disarray right now. The current roster will find it difficult to be a contender in an increasingly competitive league. Till now, the future of Russell Westbrook has been in the headlines this offs-eason. The uncertainty around the polarizing superstar’s future may play a part in LeBron’s eventual decision.

While he has entered the twilight years of his career, LeBron James still has at least one goal left to achieve. He has always stated his desire to share an NBA court with his son, Bronny James. Bronny is expected to declare for the draft in 2024 when LeBron will be 39 years old. This factor might outweigh everything else as he will look to fulfill this historic achievement.

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The Lakers are expected to offer the four-time MVP the maximum extension as soon as he becomes eligible. However, LeBron James will be in no rush to sign as he wants to see where the franchise is headed before committing.

LeBron James could go back home

While the Lakers are frontrunners for the signature of James, it is not a certainty. The Cleveland Cavaliers are arguably just one small forward short of being a title contender and they will make a run next summer. The Cavs have built an excellent team full of young stars and the prospect of going back to his native Ohio might appease James.

However, James is said to be very happy living in Los Angeles. There are certainly more business opportunities in California than there are in Ohio for the?billionaire. If the Lakers manage to build a contending roster, then James signing an extension likely won’t be an issue.

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Even though there is no hurry for LeBron James to sign the extension, the unnecessary noise that not signing it will create might become a distraction throughout the season. The Lakers have to make sure things are handled perfectly otherwise it could be another long season for the team in purple and gold.

Do you think LeBron James will sign the extension? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.