LeBron James will become the highest earner in NBA history if he signs a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, as his career earnings will reach $532million (£441m).
The latest twists in a wild NBA offseason have come in the form of players becoming eligible for contract extensions ahead of possible free agency in 2023. The biggest name in the potential pond is James, and the Lakers star is faced with the decision to either extend with the iconic franchise or become the most-sought after player in free agency next summer.
Nearly half the NBA’s teams are projected to have cap space to afford the four-time MVP, and are fans are waiting to see what move the Lakers will make. On Thursday, James became eligible to ink a two-year extension worth $97.1m (£80.8m).
If James agrees to a new deal, he would raise his total career earnings to $532m (£442.5m) - a record for an NBA earnings. However, with player salaries continuing to grow, this feels like a record the King won’t reign over for too long.
Even if the 37-year-old signs the extension, the Lakers are set to have nearly $23m (£19m) in cap space, a number which could increase if Taylor Horton-Tucker declines his player option or he is traded. The space is significant but not quite enough to secure the services of a max-level free agent, which is largely why the franchise are desperate to trade Russell Westbrook for Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.
The Lakers are also willing to trade a future first-round pick if it means acquiring the services of Irving. They would acquire his Bird rights in a trade, allowing them to exceed the cap to sign the free agent guard next offseason.
Should the Lakers fail to find a favourable deal involving Westbrook and his monster $47.1m (£39m) contact, they could use their cap space to add players around James and fellow superstar Anthony Davis. This is what the team did in 2019 when they added the likes of Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and Alex Caruso before winning the championship.
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There is speculation surrounding what James may decide to do should he opt to play out the season on an expiring contract. Amid dreams of playing with son Bronny once the 17-year-old eventually potentially makes it in the NBA, James could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers - the team which drafted him first overall as an 18-year-old back in 2003.
Cleveland doubled its win total from the 2020-21 season last campaign and were one of the most fun teams to watch with their fast-paced basketball. Despite losing in the play-in tournament, the Cavs lay claim to a strong nucleus of talented players such as Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The Cavaliers could have $30m (£24.8m) in cap space in 2023. Would James return to Cleveland for a third time? He is reportedly happy with life in Los Angeles, but if the Lakers aren’t competitive, nothing should be ruled out. This is the NBA, after all.
