James will play until the age of 44? He is eligible to sign a three-year, 188 million contract next summer with a starting annual salary of 58.1 million

On October 11, there are still 11 days left before the start of the new NBA regular season. Earlier today, Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin wrote an article about the situation of James and the Lakers. He said that according to salary expert analysis, James is eligible to sign a three-year, 188 million contract next summer!

This summer, James executed the player option, but he and the Lakers did not reach an early contract extension, which means that this will be the last year of James' current contract. When talking about contract renewal in a previous interview, Lakers general manager Pelinka did not give a clear attitude, which made James' contract renewal a question. However, this does not mean that James and the Lakers cannot continue to work together in the future.

Dave McMenamin pointed out in the article that Pelinka's answer to James' retirement with the Lakers at the press conference was intriguing, because the question he answered was different from the question he was asked. He was asked whether the Lakers would be interested in completing a contract extension with James in the summer of 2026.

The article pointed out that the Lakers are expected to have about $50 million in salary space, but if James seeks a new maximum salary contract, all of this money will be used for him. According to ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks, James will be eligible to sign up to a three-year deal for $188 million, with a starting salary of $58.1 million for 2026-27.

It is worth mentioning that James will usher in his eighth season with the Lakers, which is also his longest continuous playing time with any team. James has played for the following teams in his career: Cavaliers 1.0: 7 years; Heat: 4 years; Cavaliers 2.0: 4 years; Lakers: 8 years.

If James really renews his contract for three years next summer, it means that he will play until the age of 44. Do you think the Lakers will renew James' contract? Welcome to give your opinions in the comment area.