What the Lakers haven't done to re-sign LeBron James for the next season

While many believe LeBron James will continue to play as a purple and gold, many fans are afraid of the continuity of their superstar, because the King will continue to play but with the many struggles the team has, the star could want to move on to a contending NBA franchise if things don't pan out this campaign.

LeBron James is 39 years old and while he isn't able to carry the entire team like he used to do in the past, he remains one of the most dominant players the sport has ever seen, even this campaign he is pulling great numbers and an impressive shooting career-high.

Still, all that great effort hasn't been enough as the team currently sits in the .500 with a 23-23 record passed the midway point of the regular season and is still away from playoff seeds, which isn't ideal as the Lakers star is looking to get his 5th personal championship ring.

As far as James’ plans beyond the 2023-24 season, it appears the Lakers brass has yet to talk to the star about them, which is a worrisome landscape for Lakers Nation, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:

"This summer could also call for a bigger pivot if there is a playoff letdown. Would James opt out of his contract for 2024-25 and look elsewhere? If so, would the Lakers need to preserve that extra draft pick to help reinvent everything in a post-James L.A.? Unlike James’ final season in Cleveland in 2017-18, when the Cavaliers made clear that any trade involving their lottery-projected 2018 first-round pick would be contingent on James’ commitment to stay with the franchise, the Lakers have not preemptively spoken to James’ representatives about the star’s plans, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN."

LeBron James' future team in the NBA has been linked to his son Bronny's future as a prospect

As things stand now, James has a player option worth over $51 million for the 2024-25 season. James has been adamant about playing with his son once he enters the league, so he could very well choose to opt-out and follow Bronny James wherever he goes.