NBA Rumors: LeBron James Could Max Out Playing Career with Lakers

At 34 years old, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is not getting any younger. Add to the fact that he is on the verge of wrapping up the first your of his four-year $153.3 million deal hints that this could be one of the last humongous contracts he will get.

According to Spotrac, LeBron James includes a player option in 2021. But by that time, he will be 36. Even though he has proven he still has the jets to keep in step with rising NBA stars, it remains that age will become a factor should he decide to negotiate with other teams.

Depending on how the next couple of years pan out for him, James may consider testing the NBA free agent market. But this early, one team already out of the running are the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, he was told that James will never wear a Clippers jersey. The exact reason as to why was not discussed.

Curiously, the Clippers seem to be in a better position (at this point) to make a run at the NBA title. They do have key players on the roster like Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, and Landry Shamet, the Bleacher Report reported. They were also able to tweak their salary budget, allowing them to sign two max slots this coming offseason. Kawhi Leonard has been mentioned and this will be an interesting angle to see in the summer.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have a young supporting cast in play. Unfortunately, things have not worked out and they have yet to give James the needed support to accurately win games. Add to the fact that the roster is now in disarray following the botched pitch to land Anthony Davis last February.

Regardless, James is still seen as the main guy for the Lakers - at least for the next couple of years. The young guys could be moving out at some point and likely earlier than the King.

At 36, it is possible that should James opt out, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat may be LeBron's last stop outside the Lakers. It will be more of a swan song for the three-time NBA champion -- someone who has accomplished practically everything that any aspiring pro cager wants in his career.