LeBron James has been a part of the league for quite some time now. The journey from being dubbed “The Chosen One” in high school to being crowned “The King” of the NBA has been nothing less than phenomenal. He has been 19 years in the league and will likely be entering the twilight of his career. But that doesn’t stop him from being a prolific player, as he is still alive and kicking at 37.
James has been a winner everywhere he has been. The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled for the better part of the last decade. However, with James bringing his talents over, it was a sweet close to the decade as he spearheaded the franchise to an NBA title in 2019-20.
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Following the Lakers’ shortcomings last season, it was suggested that LeBron James might want out in the near future. However, it is believed that the Los Angeles Lakers‘ front office is trying everything in their power to prevent this from transpiring.
According to YahooSports’ Chris Haynes, Rob Pelinka told LeBron that he wants him to retire as a Laker. Furthermore, he reportedly promised to equip him with every resource possible to win a championship every year of his term.
Chris Haynes:
“[Rob] Pelinka made his feelings clear that he wants [LeBron] James to retire as a Laker and promised to provide him with every resource possible to compete for a championship each year he’s with the organization,”
(via @ChrisBHaynes, https://t.co/dWKIy9NXMM) pic.twitter.com/pdJ587bkxo
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 10, 2022
Last season, the Lakers experienced a massive organizational collapse from the top down. A multitude of things went south for the franchise, as they didn’t even make it to the Play-in tournament. The Lakers will hope they can get back to winning ways. However, considering how they are currently constructed, many people feel that a championship season is unlikely.
READ MORE: Key Member of LeBron James’ Lakers Setup Gets Honest About Rejecting Stephen Curry’s Warriors
However, given Pelinka’s commitment to James, a string of moves that would strengthen the squad might be in the pipeline.
LeBron James likely to extend his Lakers contract
LeBron James will be entering the final year of his contract this upcoming season. He’ll be 38 by the time his contract runs out. And per the league’s bargaining agreement, any NBA player 38 years old or older may only sign a two-year contract.
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Therefore, James is eligible to sign a two-year contract extension worth $97.1 million. And there is some optimism in the Lakers’ dugout that a deal will be struck soon. The player met with the Lakers’ front office, and the talks were stated to be “productive.
LeBron James met with Rob Pelinka today to discuss a possible contract extension, per @mcten
Discussions were ‘productive’ and will continue pic.twitter.com/B3GZO0hI2n
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 4, 2022
According to LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul as well, the two sides had a positive discussion during their meeting.
LeBron James and his representative Rich Paul of Klutch Sports met with Lakers VP of basketball ops and GM Rob Pelinka on Thursday regarding James’ eligible contract extension. Paul told ESPN the discussion was “productive” and both sides will continue a dialogue.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) August 4, 2022
Regardless of what James decides, he is certain of one thing: he wants to play alongside his son Bronny James. Now that Pelinka wants James to retire in purple and gold, does it mean the Lakers will draft Bronny, or will James have to give up his dream of playing alongside his son? Only time will tell.
Lakers fans are ecstatic over recent reports regarding James’ future with the franchise
With it being a strong possibility that LeBron James retires as a Laker, supporters couldn’t help but rejoice.
they drafting bronny
— chris 😸 (@7apanese) August 10, 2022
You better not lie Pelinka
— BronSage👑 (@Indy_Sage) August 10, 2022
Kyrie otw!!!!
— Lebron Fan (@LeGoatburner1) August 10, 2022
Man, i wish LeBron had a front office/GM who thought like that for his whole career ☹️
— KYRIE ➡️ LA (@pghfourteen) August 10, 2022
why don’t we have kyrie yet then
— 🐐 (@GoatAKALeBron) August 10, 2022
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Get the job done then Rob
— 🌋 (@10gmarco) August 10, 2022
Umm, wow! This is fantastic and earned!
— couchgoatee (@couchgoatee) August 10, 2022
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Do you think we will see LeBron James playing alongside Bronny in a Lakers jersey? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.