Deadline for LeBron James' contract decision revealed

LeBron James has a $51.4M player option for next season. The veteran superstar has remained coy about whether he plans to opt in or out of that final year. 

He could potentially opt out and re-sign a new multi-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, or he could look to move teams. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jovan Buha, James must make his decision by June 29. He must opt in or out of his player option on or before that date. James is reportedly expected to play for "up to" two more seasons. 

"James has a June 29 deadline for his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season," Charania and Buha reported. "League sources told The Athletic that the opt-in and opt-out routes are both on the table, and the leading scorer in NBA history is expected to play up to two more seasons."

James, 39, is still a top-15 talent in the NBA. He played in 71 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists on 54% shooting from the field and 41% from three-point range. 

With such elite-level production, James would still have his pick of destinations if he chose to leave the Lakers. Even as he's closing in on 40-years-old, there is still a belief that James could be the best player on a championship-level team. 

The most logical option for James is for him to opt out of his current deal and re-sign under new terms, as that would allow him to maximize his earning potential. However, the Lakers must prove they're still capable of putting him in a position to compete at the highest level. They were eliminated from the postseason in the opening round of this year's playoffs.

This summer will bring multiple changes for the Purple and Gold. The front office will undoubtedly hope that James isn't one of them. He's their star player, their golden goose. They will likely do everything they can to keep him in Los Angeles for the remainder of his career.