An extended farewell tour may end up being too good for LeBron James to pass up.
The Los Angeles Lakers star James could be in line to make in the range of $40 million to $75 million for the media streaming rights to his potential retirement tour next season, Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland reported on Wednesday. Lima spoke to anonymous media executives who provided him with those figures and noted that it could open up the possibility of James playing for the veteran’s minimum next season while simply recouping the money through his streaming rights.
Now 41 years old, James is currently playing out the final season of his contract with the Lakers at $52.6 million. This summer, he will be free to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent.
It does not appear that James will be returning to the Lakers in 2026-27, which would be his record-extending 24th season in the NBA. The two sides are reportedly trending towards a split amid some growing frictions between James and management.
That said, speculation is increasing about James’ plans for next season if they do not involve Los Angeles. In particular, one of James’ former teams appears to be in the mix to host his grand farewell tour.
Earlier this week, James addressed the rumors about his potential retirement. But based on what he could make just off streaming rights alone, it makes all too much sense for the four-time NBA champion James to run it back for one last hurrah.
