Shams: James is evaluating how he wants to retire; where to retire. It will be up to the Lakers in the next two weeks

July 1, According to famous reporter Shams Charania, Lakers forward James will execute his contract to perform the 23rd season of his career, which is worth $52.6 million in the 2025-26 season.

Today, Shams once again talked about James' decision while participating in the podcast "PatMcAfee Show" and the statement issued by James' agent Ritchie Paul on this.

Shams said: "Luca Doncic and his camp were notified before this matter was made public. But I would say that it was indeed unusual to some extent. Some players execute options for being traded, some to put themselves in a situation, and some without execution options became free agents. In this case, LeBron has a $52.6 million player option, and he certainly chooses to execute it. When you look at the free market, the teams that really have the top-selling space are the Nets, the Hornets and the Pistons have some salary space, but none of these teams are the ideal next home for LeBron.

"So, LeBron basically has only one option for execution options, and then he will evaluate the prospect that suits him best. We know he will be in season 23, and we don't know if he will play more than one more season, that's something he and his family still need to decide. But one thing we know right now is that he is evaluating how he wants to end his career and where he wants to end his career. Will he end in Los Angeles?

"After that being said, the Lakers have the next one or two weeks to use the free market or trade reinforcement. This will be a very busy period. Robert Pelinka traded Doncic in February, but we will wait and see what will happen in the next two weeks."