Now, for the first time since 2018, James has the ability to become a free agent again. It is not a guarantee that he will. James has a $51.4 million player option with the Lakers that he can choose to accept or decline by June 29.

With the Lakers now holding a first round selection, this opens plenty of doors for them. This also includes potentially taking former USC Trojans reserve guard Bronny James. While grabbing James at pick No. 17 may be malpractice, Los Angeles has been linked to him for a while due to having his father, LeBron James, on the roster.

Two long-time Lakers rivals getting a chance to pluck Bronny in the draft before Los Angeles nabs him is exactly the NBA’s brand of petty. By opting out of his contract before the draft, James applies a bit more pressure on Los Angeles to make sure Bronny is wearing a Lakers jersey when the season starts.

Before LeBron James’ June 29 player-option deadline, the Lakers have the opportunity to improve the roster. Beginning on draft night, they can start moving their first-round picks during and after

Bronny James is expected to go in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft, but the Sixers could draft him to lure LeBron James this offseason.

The New Orleans Pelicans will reportedly defer the 2024 first-round pick owed to them from the Los Angeles Lakers to 2025, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The Pelicans are to receive the pick as part of the Anthony Davis trade with the Lakers.

Even though they need to keep LeBron James happy to make sure he stays in town, it seems like the Los Angeles Lakers aren't ready to make a big commitment right now. The Los Angeles Lakers want to win an NBA championship and make the most of LeBron James‘ final couple of years.

NBA icon James has the option of staying another year with the Lakers but could enter free agency at the end of June.