“If he doesn't extend, then he plays out the year with Lakers and tries to make the best of it and we start counting Cleveland Cavaliers' cap space" - Brian Windhorst on LeBron James potentially rejecting a contract extension with LA
One of the biggest talking points surrounding LA Lakers superstar LeBron James is his contract extension. As things stand, James will be an unrestricted free agent in 2023, by which time he'll be 39 years old.
According to NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers could be on the cards if James doesn't extend his contract with the Lakers. On ESPN's "Get Up," Windhorst said:
"This is something no one is talking about but is obviously a big thing that could impact next season. If he doesn't extend, then he plays out the year with the Lakers and tries to make the best of it and we start counting the Cleveland Cavaliers cap space."
LeBron James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers worth over $85 million in 2021. He is set to bank over $44 million in salary going into the 2022-23 season.
Is a return to Cleveland on the cards for LeBron James?
LeBron James is from Akron, Ohio, and it makes sense for him to want to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs, however, have a little over $28 million in cap space. If that remains the case going into 2023, Jamews will have to take a massive pay cut in order to join them.
LeBron has one major dream for Bronny.
Imagine 👀 https://t.co/STwXBIHVHN
Arguably the biggest motivation for James, other than winning a championship, is playing with his son in the NBA. Bronny James is set to graduate from high school in 2023.
He has impressed scouts and is contemplating his options. Because of the NBA's One-and-Done rule, he will only be eligible to be drafted in 2024.
James could well sign a one-year deal and become a free agent again when Bronny is drafted. This would allow him to go to the team that drafts his son and fulfill one of his biggest wishes.
Via @EliasSports, LeBron James is the 6th player with at least 3 triple-doubles vs his former team in NBA history. Tonight marked the first time he scored 30+ points in a triple-double vs the Cavaliers. https://t.co/LwH9r5UEwX
That one-year deal could be with the Lakers, especially if they build a strong team around LeBron James. He could alternatively return to Cleveland on a one-year deal as a free agent and play with the budding stars there.
Another factor he will have to take into account is his off-court ventures. King James has been involved in Hollywood with his production company SpringHill. This could be impacted should he choose to leave LA.