NBA
Could the New York Knicks sign LeBron James from the LA Lakers?
NBA icon James has the option of staying another year with the Lakers but could enter free agency at the end of June.
Speculation over the future of NBA icon LeBron James continues to rumble on, with the LA Lakers star having the option to enter free agency for the first time since 2018.
When is LeBron James’ deadline to decide on his Lakers’ option?
The 39-year-old has a $51.4 million option of an additional year in California, which he must choose to accept or decline. The deadline he has been set is Saturday 29 June, so we should know before too much longer which team he will be playing for next season.
Retiring certainly doesn’t appear to be on his mind, while he has previously spoken of his desire to become part of the first father-son duo to play in the NBA along with Bronny James, who will enter the 2024 NBA Draft.
That could happen if the Lakers draft James Jr, although James Sr leaving the Lakers and linking up with whichever team Bronny joins may be a more likely option. The 19-year-old, for what it’s worth, seems less bothered about playing alongside his father.
What type of contract can Lebron James sign next?
Whatever happens, LeBron can only sign a new contract that lasts three total seasons because he is over the age of 38. That still looks most likely to happen with the Lakers, although the New York Knicks are rumoured to be interested in luring the veteran to the East coast.
James’ salary would start at the same $51.4 million figure, which means the Knicks would have to make serious salary adjustments elsewhere and move several players on.
How could the Knicks incorporate James onto their roster?
There have been suggestions they would be willing to part ways with center Mitchell Robinson because of his injuries, and even power forward Julius Randle, who the team arguably performed better without in periods last season.
If those two were to move on, that would free up significant funds. Would the Knicks, though, be willing to make such drastic changes to commit to a 39-year-old at the end of his career? A shorter-term deal may be a more prudent option, which would initially allow them to keep most of their current roster together and work out a more coherent plan for the long-term.
In less than a month’s time, we will have a better idea of what the immediate future holds for the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. Would signing one of the all-time greats be too good an opportunity for the Knicks to turn down?