LeBron James will continue playing but future in Los Angeles uncertain, says top journo on superstar

With an upcoming player option, Brian Windhorst isn't sure if The King wants to continue playing for the Lakers.

LeBron James will continue playing but future in Los Angeles uncertain, says top journo on superstar

With his contract approaching a player option in 2024-25, LeBron James has some decisions to make (image via Twitter)

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is approaching a unique situation in his career. This year is the 21st season of his career. Next year, James has a player option. Considering he is approaching the final years of his career, one analyst is not sure if James will continue playing for the Lakers.

ESPN Analyst Brian Windhorst was speaking with Bobby Marks on the ESPN podcast The Hoop Collective. They talked about how the Lakers can improve their season before the trade deadline. While speaking about James and his upcoming player option, Windhorst said

I don’t know what’s gonna happen with LeBron in 2025, I feel like LeBron is gonna play next year, but I don’t know if it’s gonna be for the Lakers.
Brian Windhorst said

Windhorst’s comments come on the backdrop of the current condition of the Lakers this season and the future of James’ son Bronny James when he becomes draft eligible.

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LeBron James just signed a contract extension this off-season. The fully guaranteed $99 million contract has a player option entering next season. The final date to pick up that option is the 29th of June. That is exactly 2 days after the 2024 NBA Draft. So James does not have a lot of time left from now till the option expiry date.

The prospect of James’ son getting drafted in 2024 is highly unlikely. But should it happen, James has said he wants to play with his son. Bronny James is expected to be a top-15 player in the draft whenever he declares himself eligible. Unless the Lakers end up having a bad season and are in the position to draft Bronny James, it is highly unlikely that James senior will be in a Lakers jersey.

LeBron James has a few years left and a legacy to complete

When LeBron James burst onto the basketball scene in 2003, even he would not have envisioned a career like this. 4 NBA Championships and currently the highest scorer in league history have brought him to the Greatest of All Time conversation. But he has a few years left to add to the legacy.

LeBron James might have to take a call about where he plays in 2025
LeBron James might have to take a call about where he plays in 2025 (image via Twitter)

James still wants to eclipse or at least match Michael Jordan’s 6 NBA titles. For that to happen, he has to be a part of an elite team. With the Lakers struggling with a .500 record right now, it is an uphill task to get James to no. 5.

At age 39, time is not on his side. Should he keep up his health and game, he still has 2-3 years left in his tank. If he can win 2 more championships, that will mark him at the top. Windhorst referred to that when he said he is not sure if James will continue for the Lakers.

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