LeBron James showcased impressive efforts throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. Alongside Luka Doncic, he led the Lakers to the postseason. However, their efforts fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the round 1 playoff series.
Following the early playoff exit, the Lakers aimed to enhance the roster by acquiring crucial players around the league. The franchise hopes the four-time NBA champion will take a pay cut to improve the cap space. However, this may not be the case for James, as per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin’s recent reports.
“The only mechanism the Lakers are projected to have in free agency is the taxpayer midlevel exception, worth $5.7 million, because James is expected to pick up the final year of his contract for $52.6 million, sources told ESPN,” Dave McMenamin wrote in his recent reports.
BREAKING: LeBron expected to pick up his $53M player option with the Lakers.
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 28, 2025
No pay cut for the king 👑 pic.twitter.com/f1UDt0jmPD
McMenamin reported that James will likely decline a pay cut and accept his $53 million player option with the Lakers.
Fans Buzzing Over LeBron James’ Major Contract Decision
When McMenamin’s report about James surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), fans responded in the comments section. Many fans criticised James for his contract decision. One fan said, “Lakers should trade him tbh.”
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Lakers should trade him tbh
— r00k ♜ (@blkr00k) June 28, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “This is why he won’t win another ring.”
This is why he won’t win another ring 😭
— JBond (@jbondwagon) June 28, 2025
Another fan commented, “trade him for Jarrett Allen.”
trade him for Jarrett Allen
— M Shiesty (@MattSavage456) June 28, 2025
Another fan mentioned, “Lakers ain’t gon ever get better then.”
Lakers ain’t gon ever get better then
— KEEZY BABY 🫶🏽 (@1keezybaby) June 28, 2025
A sports enthusiast commented, “no 5th ring for the king.”
no 5th ring for the king
— dan (@_whodeydan) June 28, 2025
Another fan mentioned, “The GOAT IS SELFISH.”
The GOAT IS SELFISH.
— Tony Fisch (@TonyFisch) June 28, 2025
Another fan commented, “Can’t wait for him to leave the Lakers.”
Can't wait for him to leave the Lakers.
— Gabriel Mican (@youwishmusic) June 28, 2025
James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds in 70 games this season.
