The NBA’s all-time leading scorer faces an uncertain future as he holds a player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, who recently dismissed Darvin Ham from his head coaching position.
Interestingly, the deadline for this option is just two days after the NBA Draft, where his son, Bronny, could potentially be selected.

LeBron James has openly discussed the possibility of retirement in the past.
As of now, James is under contract with the Lakers, but recent comments from his agent, Rich Paul, have sparked speculation. Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, seemed to inadvertently hint at James’ future status during TNT’s alternate broadcast of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks.
“LeBron’s a free agent,” Paul said, before backtracking when pressed by TNT’s Chris Haynes. “We’re gonna evaluate the situation,” he clarified, “and we’re gonna make the best decision.”
Since joining the Lakers in 2018, James led the team to a championship in 2020. He has expressed a desire to play alongside his son(s) in the NBA, but his professional future remains uncertain.
The Lakers have reportedly shown interest in drafting Bronny James to increase their chances of retaining LeBron. However, scouts have been critical of Bronny’s performance. Despite declaring for the NBA Draft last month, Bronny averaged fewer than five points per game with the USC Trojans. He retains the option to return to college and has entered the transfer portal.
Bronny’s cardiac arrest last summer may have impacted his performance, though he was a McDonald’s All-American during his senior year of high school. One scout told ESPN that if the Lakers don’t draft him, “I don’t see anyone drafting him.” Another simply stated he is “not an NBA prospect.”
Recent reports suggest LeBron is now more focused on Bronny’s development than on the prospect of playing together.
Should James opt out of his current contract, which would earn him over $51 million, he could sign a new three-year, $161.9 million deal with the Lakers.