Rich Paul dropped a bombshell claiming LeBron James is a free agent, suggesting he will decline his player option from Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has until June 29th to decide whether to pick up his player option, meaning he is technically still under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, his agent, Rich Paul, stirred speculation by suggesting that the superstar is a free agent, hinting that James is likely to decline his option.
Paul was a guest on TNT’s Alt Cast game commentary team yesterday. While talking about LeBron James and the situation surrounding the superstar, Paul dropped this bombshell.
After this TNT Insider Chris Haynes tried to get clarity from Paul and asked him about the player option, but then the super-agent instantly changed course and suggested nothing has been set in stone yet.
Rich Paul might have let slip the biggest news of the season, suggesting that LeBron James will definitely decline his player option. This could be due to two reasons. One is he wants a new longer contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Second is, there is a chance some other team drafts his son Bronny James. Meaning he might have to follow along to play alongside his son and fulfill his longtime dream. However, declining the option at the last moment suggests that James is playing hardball with the Lakers and wants them to fulfill his requirements first.
LeBron James’ decision could hinge on who drafts Bronny James
With Bronny James getting looks from other teams, the odds are that LeBron James will have to make a tough decision. Either he will continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Or he will prefer to fulfill his dream and move to the team where his son is.
However, it is easier said than done. James knows that moving to another potential championship contender could make a serious dent to his legacy. But he also knows that he does not have that much time left on the basketball court. As NBA Insiders have revealed, the all-time leading scorer in league history could max play for another two seasons.
Therefore, James will have to take a tough decision regarding his own future in the sport that he has graced for much of his life. While at the same time, keeping his family’s interests at heart.
