NBA Rumors: Lakers ready to meet any of LeBron James’ demands in FA if he opts out of $52,627,153 contract 

LeBron James and the LA Lakers have a massive offseason coming up, with the four-time MVP’s impending decision on his $52.6 million player option. The league-wide expectation is that James will opt in after Shams Charania reported it on May 26 during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

The two theories that came with it were that James is possibly entering his final NBA season next year. Another being the Lakers’ motivation to offer him another two-year max deal with a no-trade clause.

However, insider Anthony Irwin reported on Thursday that James could still sign a two-year deal with a player option, and the theory of the Lakers not meeting his demands doesn’t exist.

"Some of the people that I talked to with the Lakers, they were saying that, that's not how they have treated any core superstar, ever," Irwin said on Buha's Block.

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"So indications are they would probably meet LeBron's demands, whatever they would be."

Irwin didn't reject the notion that James might opt in, but he's more open to the idea that the superstar forward might take the other route with his contract decision.

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After suiting up with Bronny James last year, LeBron James could have a chance to play with or against his younger son, Bryce James, in 2026-27 if he signs a two-year deal with a player option. Bryce committed to Arizona for next year and is eligible for the 2026 draft.

LeBron James opting out bodes well for Lakers

LeBron James opting out of his player option could be a better situation for the Lakers. If they can convince him to take a slight pay cut, the Lakers might have more wiggle room in the trade and free agency landscape. It won't open a non-taxpayer midlevel exception for them if it's a haircut on a max deal, but it would allow the Lakers to explore their spending power on the roster for more depth.

The Lakes have multiple needs like adding at least two centers, a couple of key bench pieces and more perimeter defense around the core of James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Any flexibility would be a boon for them. With Reaves already on a team-friendly contract next year and Doncic being the franchise centerpiece, James is someone they would need that help from to generate the space to operate.

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About the author

Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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