Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul hinted at the remaining NBA seasons for his top client and close friend, LeBron James. LeBron James as the Los Angeles Lakers head to a pivotal summer.
“In terms of physical condition, five years,” Paul stated in “All The Smoke” podcast on May 2. “Mentally, understanding how to play the game, indefinitely. But mentally, when it comes to frustration or feeling like, ‘Man, I've had enough,' missing time with his family and his wife, because they’ve been incredible. They’ve been an incredible support system. Eventually, it has to be about them. And from that perspective, maybe 2-3 years.”
James has until June 29 to decide on his $51.4 million player option, a choice that will impact the Lakers’ immediate future.
The Lakers superstar chose not to comment on his future during his exit interview after their second consecutive playoff defeat to the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
James then reiterated on X, formerly Twitter, as rumors about his future became the focus in traditional and social media circles.
“I’ve seen and heard numerous reports about my future,” James said on his X post on April 30. “I mentioned it last night and I’ll say it again. I am not sure yet as I’m only considering spending time with my family and friends! When I decide after discussions with the [family, my advisors, and my representation, then you guys will know. Until then [keep quiet emoticon]”. Love, [king emoticon].” LeBron James Expected to ReturnEven though James publicly stated that he hasn't made up his mind about his future, the anticipation is that he will return to the Lakers next season, as per NBA insider Marc Stein.
“At this point, all the signs suggest he’ll stay with the Lakers. We’re not sure yet what the structure will be,” NBA insider Marc Stein mentioned on the May 3 edition of his
“#thisleague UNCUT”
podcast. “The real curiosity is what kind of trade the Lakers can make to upgrade their roster.” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who has covered James since his high school days in Akron, predicted that the 39-year-old Lakers superstar will decline his player option and enter free agency. “I do think LeBron intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent for the first time since 2018,” Windhorst said on
on April 30. “I think that will apply a little bit of pressure to the Lakers.”
Lakers Coaching Search “Get Up” James is adopting a wait-and-see approach not only regarding his son Bronny’s NBA Draft decision, but also the Lakers’ next move after dismissing coach
Two of the biggest names, who have strong ties with James, are no longer available.
Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers’ crosstown rival Clippers. Darvin Ham.
“I don’t really have a comment on that,”
Lue told reporters
following the Clippers’ first-round exit last week. “I mean it’s great to be wanted you know that’s a really good feeling but like I said I want to be here and hopefully we’re able to solidify that.” Meanwhile, Mavericks secured Jason Kidd with a multi-year extension on Monday, May 6, after his name came up in the Lakers coaching search. That means JJ Redick, who hosts the “Mind the Game” podcast with James, is the only coaching candidate with connections to him.
The Lakers’ other choices include ex-Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, and Boston Celtics assistant coach Charles Lee, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Shams Charania.
Both Ham and Lee previously served as assistant coaches under Budenholzen in Milwaukee and Atlanta. Lee and Redick are also top contenders for the Charlotte Hornets coaching position.
How many seasons does LeBron James have left with the Lakers? Discover what Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Shams Charania.
Ham and Lee both worked as assistant coaches under Budenholzen in Milwaukee and Atlanta. Lee and Redick are also serious candidates for the Charlotte Hornets coaching job.
