Lakers Insider has Terrible Free-Agency News For LeBron James

Lakers Insider has Terrible Free-Agency News For LeBron James originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

LeBron James picked up his $51.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that doesn't mean he's happy with their situation.

According to his agent, Rich Paul, James and his camp will assess his future if they believe the Lakers don't do enough to put together a championship-caliber roster.

That's going to be easier said than done, as they won't have that much money available to make big moves.

That comes as a result of the historic seven-team trade that helped him get rookie Adou Thiero, and after signing the likes of Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes.

Hayes will reportedly make $3.4 million over one year, and according to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, that will limit the Lakers' chances of making the most of their bi-annual exception (BAE):

"I have the Lakers able to use up to $3.9M of their $5.1M Bi-annual Exception should they waive Shake Milton's non-guaranteed contract. Hayes' salary is $3.4M (120% of his 6 YOS min, though they had Early Bird)," Pincus revealed.

I have the Lakers able to use up to $3.9M of their $5.1M Bi-annual Exception should they waive Shake Milton's non-guaranteed contract. Hayes' salary is $3.4M (120% of his 6 YOS min, though they had Early Bird)

— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 7, 2025

The Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron of the salary cap. They've already used their non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

They could technically clear their books with another trade, but until that happens, the Lakers won't have as much available cash to spread around in free agency.

The clock is ticking, and while the team has been linked to the likes of Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and even Bradley Beal over the past couple of days, they will have to get creative to make the numbers work.

In the meantime, everybody else will continue to spend money and hurt the team's chances of appeasing LeBron's desire to play for another ring. 

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.