LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the upcoming season. This marks the first time in his career that he will play on an expiring contract. The Lakers did not offer an extension, indicating uncertainty about his future. Despite wanting to retire with the team, his situation may be out of his control. The team seems to be focusing on another superstar, Luka Doncic, while James may feel constrained by his contract and no-trade clause.
For the first time in his Laker career - actually, the first time in his entire 23-year career - James will thus play this season on an expiring contract.
For the first time, the wiley, elusive, flexible LeBron James is stuck. He’s stuck on a team clearly catering to the needs of a different superstar in Luka Doncic.
He could perhaps free himself by thinking about Nov. 29, 2015. That is the date that Kobe Bryant, a month into his 20th season, officially announced his retirement.
The Lakers didn't offer him an extension. They refused to guarantee him a spot here after next spring.
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