LeBron James would need to take $16 million annual paycut for Lakers to access full MLE
If James takes a discount for the Lakers to access their full nontaxpayer midlevel exception, the Lakers will be hard-capped at the first apron of $178.7 million. That means James would have to take a $16-plus million discount, with his starting salary at about just over $33 million for the 2024-25 season. The most likely pay cut scenario would be James signing a two-year deal with a player option for 2025-26, allowing him to opt out in 2025 and re-sign for more money, according to league sources.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
With LeBron interested in taking a pay cut for the right free agent and the Lakers armed with multiple mid-sized salaries and two valuable first-round picks to trade, there is no excuse for LA to not dramatically improve its roster over the next few days: nytimes.com/athletic/56037… – 8:59 PM
With LeBron interested in taking a pay cut for the right free agent and the Lakers armed with multiple mid-sized salaries and two valuable first-round picks to trade, there is no excuse for LA to not dramatically improve its roster over the next few days: nytimes.com/athletic/56037… – 8:59 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Several updates on our live blog here on :
– How LeBron pay cut greases a Klay Thompson move
– Wizards fun cap shenanigans redoing Holmes deal
– Logic on OKC moves with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins
– A little-discussed apron wrinkle on Paul George moves
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 6:50 PM
Several updates on our live blog here on :
– How LeBron pay cut greases a Klay Thompson move
– Wizards fun cap shenanigans redoing Holmes deal
– Logic on OKC moves with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins
– A little-discussed apron wrinkle on Paul George moves
nytimes.com/athletic/live-… – 6:50 PM
Dwight Howard @DwightHoward
I don’t think Lebron leaving but Klay should either go to LA or San Antonio 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/fazI6kuFXP – 6:49 PM
I don’t think Lebron leaving but Klay should either go to LA or San Antonio 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/fazI6kuFXP – 6:49 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Our @BleacherReport livestream on LeBron James considering taking significantly less to help Lakers secure a star player. pic.twitter.com/6NcSRBYm2Z – 6:44 PM
Our @BleacherReport livestream on LeBron James considering taking significantly less to help Lakers secure a star player. pic.twitter.com/6NcSRBYm2Z – 6:44 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Top 10 NBA free agents: Paul George, LeBron James and more
Free agency beings Sunday, but it appears most of these talented players will be staying with their current teams. newsday.com/sports/basketb… – 6:33 PM
Top 10 NBA free agents: Paul George, LeBron James and more
Free agency beings Sunday, but it appears most of these talented players will be staying with their current teams. newsday.com/sports/basketb… – 6:33 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Our ESPN story on LeBron James’ contract situation with the Los Angeles Lakers is updated with quotes from Rich Paul of Klutch Sports as well as potential “impact” players James would be willing to take a pay cut to land es.pn/4bpycww – 5:47 PM
Our ESPN story on LeBron James’ contract situation with the Los Angeles Lakers is updated with quotes from Rich Paul of Klutch Sports as well as potential “impact” players James would be willing to take a pay cut to land es.pn/4bpycww – 5:47 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
The great Jim Hill and I will talk plenty about LeBron James, Paul George and more Lakers/Clippers free agency on @SportsCentralLA. Tune into CBSLA at 3 pm PT!! – 5:28 PM
The great Jim Hill and I will talk plenty about LeBron James, Paul George and more Lakers/Clippers free agency on @SportsCentralLA. Tune into CBSLA at 3 pm PT!! – 5:28 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told ESPN that LeBron James has officially opted out with L.A. and will work with LAL on his next deal if it means adding an impact player: “He is prioritizing a roster improvement. He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.” – 5:15 PM
Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told ESPN that LeBron James has officially opted out with L.A. and will work with LAL on his next deal if it means adding an impact player: “He is prioritizing a roster improvement. He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.” – 5:15 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Lakers essentially have 14 players under contract entering free agency:
AD
LeBron (assuming he re-signs)
Rui Hachimura
Austin Reaves
D’Angelo Russell
Jarred Vanderbilt
Gabe Vincent
Dalton Knecht
Jaxson Hayes
Christian Wood
JHS
Cam Reddish
Maxwell Lewis
Bronny James – 4:52 PM
The Lakers essentially have 14 players under contract entering free agency:
AD
LeBron (assuming he re-signs)
Rui Hachimura
Austin Reaves
D’Angelo Russell
Jarred Vanderbilt
Gabe Vincent
Dalton Knecht
Jaxson Hayes
Christian Wood
JHS
Cam Reddish
Maxwell Lewis
Bronny James – 4:52 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
LeBron James intends to sign a new deal with the Lakers, AP source says (from @AP) apnews.com/article/f370e1… – 3:17 PM
LeBron James intends to sign a new deal with the Lakers, AP source says (from @AP) apnews.com/article/f370e1… – 3:17 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron may be willing to take a pay cut to give the Lakers access to the mid-level exception. I have 10 possible targets they could use it on:
– Four possible trades.
– Three 3-and-Ds.
– Two aging stars.
– And a Jonas in a pear tree.
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:16 PM
LeBron may be willing to take a pay cut to give the Lakers access to the mid-level exception. I have 10 possible targets they could use it on:
– Four possible trades.
– Three 3-and-Ds.
– Two aging stars.
– And a Jonas in a pear tree.
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:16 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
More context here on LeBron James’ decision to opt out, with plans to return to the Lakers, at @TheAthletic, with @ShamsCharania
nytimes.com/athletic/55885… – 3:13 PM
More context here on LeBron James’ decision to opt out, with plans to return to the Lakers, at @TheAthletic, with @ShamsCharania
nytimes.com/athletic/55885… – 3:13 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron may be willing to take a pay cut to give the Lakers access to the mid-level exception. I have 10 possible targets they could use it on:
– Four possible trades.
– Three 3-and-Ds.
– Two former stars.
– And a Jonas in a pear tree.
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:09 PM
LeBron may be willing to take a pay cut to give the Lakers access to the mid-level exception. I have 10 possible targets they could use it on:
– Four possible trades.
– Three 3-and-Ds.
– Two former stars.
– And a Jonas in a pear tree.
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:09 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
10 Lakers mid-level exception targets if LeBron James indeed takes discount on his next contract
(By @SamQuinnCBS)
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:05 PM
10 Lakers mid-level exception targets if LeBron James indeed takes discount on his next contract
(By @SamQuinnCBS)
cbssports.com/nba/news/10-la… – 3:05 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Lakers with LeBron declining his option.
For the Lakers to have access to the full $12.9M mid level, team salary needs to be in the range of $160M.
Using $5.2M+ of the mid level hard caps the Lakers at $178.7M. pic.twitter.com/9jUeSdlCgX – 2:22 PM
Lakers with LeBron declining his option.
For the Lakers to have access to the full $12.9M mid level, team salary needs to be in the range of $160M.
Using $5.2M+ of the mid level hard caps the Lakers at $178.7M. pic.twitter.com/9jUeSdlCgX – 2:22 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
LeBron James reportedly willing to take a pay cut to help Lakers sportando.basketball/en/lebron-jame… – 1:43 PM
LeBron James reportedly willing to take a pay cut to help Lakers sportando.basketball/en/lebron-jame… – 1:43 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For all his playoff issues, DLo was a big reason the Lakers *made* the playoffs to begin with. And between LeBron/AD coming off Team USA, plus LBJ’s inevitable pacing, they can’t afford to trade DLo for someone more about the postseason. He’s gotta be an “82 game” guy as well. AK – 1:38 PM
For all his playoff issues, DLo was a big reason the Lakers *made* the playoffs to begin with. And between LeBron/AD coming off Team USA, plus LBJ’s inevitable pacing, they can’t afford to trade DLo for someone more about the postseason. He’s gotta be an “82 game” guy as well. AK – 1:38 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
LeBron James opts out of $51.4 million for next season, expected to re-sign with Lakers
nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 12:57 PM
LeBron James opts out of $51.4 million for next season, expected to re-sign with Lakers
nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 12:57 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
New ESPN story: LeBron James will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in order to sign a new deal with the team, a source familiar with his intentions told ESPN es.pn/4bpycww – 12:55 PM
New ESPN story: LeBron James will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in order to sign a new deal with the team, a source familiar with his intentions told ESPN es.pn/4bpycww – 12:55 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
LeBron James to decline $51.4 million player option, but expected to stay with the Lakers on a new deal #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 12:46 PM
LeBron James to decline $51.4 million player option, but expected to stay with the Lakers on a new deal #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 12:46 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/rzew2q2V9Q – 12:43 PM
With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/rzew2q2V9Q – 12:43 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LeBron James to opt out of Lakers contract, but expected to stay on new deal, per report cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 12:20 PM
LeBron James to opt out of Lakers contract, but expected to stay on new deal, per report cbssports.com/nba/news/lebro… – 12:20 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James intends to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $51.4 million, a source familiar with his plans told ESPN. James will look to sign a new deal to stay in Los Angeles, the source said. – 12:16 PM
LeBron James intends to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $51.4 million, a source familiar with his plans told ESPN. James will look to sign a new deal to stay in Los Angeles, the source said. – 12:16 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Just In: Los Angeles Lakers four-time champion LeBron James intends to opt out of his $51.4 million player option for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The expectation is James will return to the Lakers on a new deal. pic.twitter.com/wQAbSAwCQD – 12:11 PM
Just In: Los Angeles Lakers four-time champion LeBron James intends to opt out of his $51.4 million player option for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The expectation is James will return to the Lakers on a new deal. pic.twitter.com/wQAbSAwCQD – 12:11 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Bryce doesn’t think he’s going to be able to play in the NBA with LeBron 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZYbNxYDVkS – 11:25 AM
Bryce doesn’t think he’s going to be able to play in the NBA with LeBron 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZYbNxYDVkS – 11:25 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Why Bronny James’ success with the Lakers could depend on LeBron getting out of the way
(By @sportsreiter)
cbssports.com/nba/news/why-b… – 11:09 AM
Why Bronny James’ success with the Lakers could depend on LeBron getting out of the way
(By @sportsreiter)
cbssports.com/nba/news/why-b… – 11:09 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Story: Predicting what’s next for the top remaining player option decisions for LeBron James, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Caleb Martin, Kevin Love, Richaun Holmes, Torrey Craig, Damion Lee, Cam Reddish, and more ahead of NBA free agency on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/2024-nba… – 10:54 AM
Story: Predicting what’s next for the top remaining player option decisions for LeBron James, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Caleb Martin, Kevin Love, Richaun Holmes, Torrey Craig, Damion Lee, Cam Reddish, and more ahead of NBA free agency on @hoopshype. hoopshype.com/lists/2024-nba… – 10:54 AM
Anil Gogna @AnilGognaNBA
All signs point to the Lakers fielding an almost identical roster to last year.
If LeBron picks up his option (and so do C. Wood & C. Reddish), the Lakers will be at $182.6M committed to 13 players. With Bronny unlikely to sign a Two-Way, that leaves them with only 1 more spot – 2:24 AM
All signs point to the Lakers fielding an almost identical roster to last year.
If LeBron picks up his option (and so do C. Wood & C. Reddish), the Lakers will be at $182.6M committed to 13 players. With Bronny unlikely to sign a Two-Way, that leaves them with only 1 more spot – 2:24 AM
More on this storyline
Brad Turner: Sources: Klay Thompson is intrigued about playing with the Lakers and LeBron James, provided he re-signs with the Lakers. Thompson plans on talking with the Lakers, as well as Dallas. -via Twitter @BA_Turner / June 29, 2024
Team USA’s training camp to prepare for this summer’s Paris Olympics begins in a week in Las Vegas. Paul told ESPN that he will look to complete a deal with the Lakers for James before Team USA camp opens up. -via ESPN / June 29, 2024