Stein: The Lakers current plan is to wait for James contract to expire, and the latter s pressure has no deterrent power

July 27th According to well-known sports reporter Marc Stein, the Lakers' most inclined future plan is that LeBron James' contract will naturally expire after the end of next season, and his Lakers career will end there.

Not long ago, Marc Stein wrote in his latest report: "I believe that as August approaches, LeBron James will attend his eighth consecutive Lakers training camp at the end of September, which will be the longest period of his career for a team. This offseason, he did not make a trade request or seek a buyout. Of course, he also knew that making such a request does not necessarily mean it will be fulfilled."

Marc Stein also analyzed this, saying: "The reason I predict this is because James knows the way the 'this league' is more profound than almost all players. I also think he knows very well that there is no deterrent force now to put pressure on 'I may leave the Lakers next summer'. In the first 22 seasons of his career, this uncertainty is a hidden concern for every team, but the future expectations widely held by the Lakers are to let James' contract expire naturally after the end of the 2025-26 season."

"Ritchie Paul actually implies this perception in the statement announcing James' execution of the player option-you can see this meaning with a careful consideration."

James' salary next season is $52.6 million, the last year of his existing contract. And the Lakers today belong to Luca Doncic. He is only 26 years old, and LeBron will turn 41 in December this year.

According to reports, Los Angeles new head coach JJ Redick is expected to use the following starting lineup next season: Doncic, Reeves, Hachimura Shizuo, LeBron and Aiton. And this is likely to be James' starting lineup in his last season with the Lakers.