If there's one thing LeBron James knows how to do, it's make himself the story. Granted, his play on the court has plenty to do with that. Some may consider him the greatest of all time, though his run with the Los Angeles Lakers has been less than extraordinary (unless you count that 2020 title in the Walt Disney World auxiliary gym).
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Anyway, it appears that James will opt out of his contract and become a free agent, and while a return to the Lakers seems to be in the cards, you can be sure James won't say as much. He likes to keep the NBA world on its toes.
He did it before with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. Then with the Miami Heat four years later. Then again with the Cavaliers four years after that. And now with the Lakers. Everyone who lands James is left wondering what he will do next. That's part of the joy of having him play for your team. Or something.
According to Dan Woike of the LA Times, James will indeed test free agency this summer.
"James is expected to opt out of his current contract," Woike wrote. "Although the sense is he'll re-sign with the Lakers, he will be an unrestricted free agent if he declines his player option. He has not been an active participant in the team's coaching search, according both to people in his camp and Lakers officials."
The Lakers, of course, hired JJ Redick, a former NBA shooting guard turned analyst and now a head coach. Redick and James co-host the "Mind The Game" podcast together. Now, the plan is to put their heads together with the Lakers.
At least, that's what everyone expects. But LeBron being LeBron, the unexpected may also be in play. Just ask him.
