LeBron James declines player option to become free agent

LeBron James will decline his $51.4 million player option with the Lakers for the 2024-25 season and become an unrestricted free agent, but he is expected to return to the organization on a new contract, The Atheltic reported on Saturday morning.

James, who turns 40 in December and is entering his 22nd NBA season, had until 2 p.m. on Saturday to decide on the option in his contract as part of the two-year, $99 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers in September 2022.

He...