LeBron James may still be playing at a high level at age 38, but his days with the Los Angeles Lakers are numbered, even if he ends up playing for the franchise longer than anyone expects him to right now.
He is under contract for this season and next, but next season is a player option year, which means he could leave the Purple and Gold during the summer of 2024 if he so chooses.
It is time for the Lakers to plan ahead to land their next transcendent superstar. One such player fans have hoped they could land in a few years is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who at age 28 is already the proud owner of two regular season MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year award, an NBA Finals MVP and a world championship ring.
There were rumors he might refuse to sign an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks and test the free agent waters in either 2025 or 2026. However, that will not happen; he agreed to a three-year extension on Monday.
Breaking: Giannis Antetokounmpo has agreed on a three-year, $186 million contract extension, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/xdzag1ZxvC
— ESPN (@espn) October 23, 2023
The Bucks recently traded for future Hall of Fame point guard Damian Lillard, which undoubtedly had to be a factor in Antetokounmpo agreeing to an extension. The trade has made them the favorites in many people’s eyes to win it all this season.
The Lakers will have to turn their attention elsewhere to perpetuate their rich tradition and mystique once James leaves, whenever that may be.
