The marriage between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (33-49) is at a tenuous point. James has only one season left on his contract, and while he can sign a two-year extension in August, it's unclear whether he will.

"Based on my conversations with people who have a strong sense of such things, it's clear James is considering playing out this contract rather than signing a two-year extension this summer," Sam Amick of The Athletic recently wrote. "… [James] could go back to the year-by-year approach he perfected in his second Cleveland stop."

Sources at Klutch Sports insist those internal discussions on James' future haven't taken place yet. However, James was non-committal after his exit meeting with the team last week.

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"Myself and [agent] Rich [Paul] can't even begin to talk with [vice president of basketball operations] Rob [Pelinka] or the front office at all because of the collective bargaining agreement," he said. "When we get to that point, we'll see."

James' decision may determine the direction of the Lakers' offseason. If he refuses to commit to them beyond next season, that could impact how they rectify the Russell Westbrook situation.

The Lakers will likely have to ship out their 2027 and/or 2029 first-round picks to offload Westbrook's $47.1 million expiring contract this summer. If they also have to take back unwieldy contracts, they might balk at oft-injured players on long-term deals like Gordon Hayward or Malcolm Brogdon if James isn't committed beyond next season.

Knowing James will be around for three more seasons would help the Lakers commit to a plan. Without that knowledge, they'll have to take a leap of faith this offseason.

 

The Year-to-Year Approach

If James refuses to sign an extension this summer, the Lakers will need to either move on or capitulate. While James doesn't have a no-trade clause, superstars have a certain modicum of control over where they go, especially near the end of their contracts.

Westbrook is one of many dominoes who could be impacted by James' decision either way.

With his family well situated in Los Angeles, James has given no indication that he wants to leave the Lakers. However, the threat of his potential departure next offseason may help him gain more influence over the rest of the roster and the coaching hire.