Lakers, LeBron Hold 'Productive' Meeting But Yet To Finalize Extension Deal

KEY POINTS

LeBron James’ camp holds talks with the Lakers’ front office
James' contract extension has yet to be a done deal
His son's eligibility in the 2024 draft is expected to play a role in James' decision

LeBron James is eligible to ink a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, something that most have been keeping tabs with.

The four-time NBA champion together with his agent, Rich Paul, reportedly met with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka in what was branded a “productive” meeting.

However, nothing has been set in stone yet as the two sides are expected to continue discussions moving forward per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

James and his family are reportedly happy residing in California, a possible sign that the 18-time All-Star is likely to end his career with the Lakers according to Marc Stein's report.

But factoring in James' eldest son Bronny and the youngster's career, that could be the case only until 2024 as the now-17-year-old will be eligible to enter the NBA Draft by that time.

Furthermore, James will have to add at least one more season to the end of his contract.

As mentioned in a previous post here on International Business Times, James could agree to a two-year deal with the final one including a player option.

James has until June 30, 2023 to decide on his contract situation, and he is allegedly in no rush to get a new deal done before he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Hence, only a hard-to-resist offer to sign an extension may convince the 37-year-old NBA superstar to sign on the dotted line.

But beyond that, there is also the performance of the Lakers starting this coming season.

After winning an NBA title with the Lakers during the pandemic-riddled 2020 NBA season, the Lakers have been on a turnstile despite the addition of key players.

They added Russell Westbrook last season, a move that billed them as favorites.

But that move did not work out and backfired on them.

The Lakers are expected to try again, this time with a new head coach at the helm in Darvin Ham.

Depending on how the Lakers fare this 2022-23 season, such could factor into what James would be looking for next offseason.

Despite two rocky seasons, James is said to be content staying in Hollywood.

However, adding another disappointing season could convince the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player to consider other options next summer.