ESPN was informed by LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, that he has opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being anticipated, the team made the decision two days after selecting his son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft. However, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is likely to stay with the Lakers, and the nearly $52 million he was expected to earn this season may be reduced. FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM, CLICK HERE. The choice, albeit expected, comes two days after the group chosen his child, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft. It is broadly expected the NBA’s unequaled driving scorer will stay with the Lakers, however, and he could accept a decrease in salary from the almost $52 million he was set to make this season. FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM, CLICK HERE. LeBron James dunks Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the last part in Game 4 of a first-round NBA Season finisher series against the Denver Pieces April 27, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photograph/Imprint J. Terrill) “An improvement to the roster is his top priority. He’s been inflexible about radiating all endeavors to work on the program,” Paul told the organization. After returning to the Cavaliers, where he finally won a championship, James signed with the Lakers in 2018. In 2020, he won his fourth NBA championship with the Lakers. He recently completed his 21st season and participated in his 20th All-Star Game, a record. His career stats of 27.1, 7.4 and 7.5 were comparable to his 39-year-old averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. He became the first player to score more than 40,000 points in a career and also set a career high by shooting 41.7% from three-point range. James has averaged 27.2 points per game, making him the most among players over the age of 35 who have played more than 100 games. Second is Michael Jordan, who arrived at the midpoint of 22.5 in 171 games subsequent to turning 35. Since the day he turned 35, James has participated in 262.
LeBron james opts out of Lakers contract two days after team drafts… see more
