LeBron James will play in the NBA next season, marking his 22nd season overall, and both the players and fans are very sure about it. But will it be elsewhere, or with the Los Angeles Lakers?

In a game this season, James is averaging 25.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His player option is worth $51 million for the 2024–2025 campaign.

Greg Swartz said in a Bleacher Report column published on April 7 that he will turn it down.

His main motivation was the money that Los Angeles can offer, along with one last paycheck.

If James chooses not to exercise his player option, he can negotiate a three-year, $162 million contract to remain with the Lakers, according to Swartz. “The over-38 rule allows for a maximum length of three years.”

Swartz’s projection takes Anthony Davis’s presence into account as well. along with James’ intentions about a Lakers championship run.