Lakers

LeBron James Open To Taking Less Money; Opts Out Of His Option

Published

1 year ago

June 29, 2024

Joshua

LeBron James Open To Taking Less Money; Opts Out Of His Option

Was anybody shocked to hear LeBron James was opting out of his $51.4 million player option? Not really, given what everyone has been hearing for the past few weeks. However, what is shocking to many is his willingness to take less money for the organization.

With Bronny James being drafted by Los Angeles, this further reinsures the Lakers’ fanbase that LeBron is coming back. According to multiple reports, he is expected to ink a deal to continue his partnership with Rob Pelinka and the team.

For reference on what a potential contract could look like for the 39-year-old, James could get a three-year deal worth up to $160 million. Now, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, LeBron is very much open to taking less money to achieve more incredible things for Los Angeles.

Depending on what the Lakers do with D’Angelo Russell after seeing him opt into his player option, LeBron would need to take precisely $12 million less than the max on his new extension. This would allow the Lakers to use the full MLE (Midlevel Exception).

By allowing this, the front office can use the MLE to sign multiple players to fill out their positional needs. Pelinka is under the microscope for what he will do this year’s offseason.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez Decide Against Lakers Due To LeBron James Uncertainty

Published

2 weeks ago

July 12, 2025

Joshua

According to multiple reports, spearheaded by ESPN, Brook Lopez did have his sights set on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers but pivoted due to the uncertainty of LeBron James’ future with the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Clippers swooped in and secured him for their center room. With him not wanting to be apart of the current LeBron drama in L.A., Lopez passed up being a starter to now being the backup to Ivica Zubac.

This offseason saw Deandre Ayton be bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers and signed by the Lakers, which came days after the Lopez news.

Jaxson Hayes

Jaxson Hayes Gets No-Trade Clause With Lakers

Published

3 weeks ago

July 4, 2025

Joshua

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have made the decision to re-sign Jaxson Hayes for another season. The official agreement is a one-year deal.

This comes immediately after signing newly bought out free agent Deandre Ayton to a two-year contract. Los Angeles will have Hayes backup Ayton.

This signing wasn’t making headlines until it was discovered the 25-year-old is getting a no-trade clause. This isn’t parody, as he is literally getting a no-trade clause for this upcoming season.

How is this so? Well, per Trevor Lane, Hayes is able to get a de facto no-trade clause due to signing with the Lakers for his third year, this secures his Bird rights for Los Angeles. With his Bird rights being secured, Hayes now has the power to waive any potential trade he does not want to be apart of.

He will be an exclusive group of LeBron James and Bradley Beal for this upcoming season.

Last season, Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and one assist per game in 56 appearances.

DeAndre Ayton

Deandre Ayton Signs $16.6 Million Deal With Lakers

Published

3 weeks ago

July 3, 2025

Joshua

Deandre Ayton Signs $16.6 Million Deal With Lakers

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, after Deandre Ayton has cleared waivers Wednesday afternoon, the former number one overall pick has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The official terms of the deal is $16.6 million over two years, his starting salary is $8.1 million, and he has a player option attached to the deal for the second year.

Officially, he will be making $34 million this upcoming season; this is due to the buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers and him getting $24 million from the team.

Los Angeles has been looking for an upgrade at center since last season’s trade deadline, as they finally found the player that fits both Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Doncic is reportedly “excited” to be playing with Ayton.

Per Shams, multiple teams like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers were interested in signing the 26-year-old.

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.