#LeBronJames will pick up his $52.6 million player option to remain with the #LosAngelesLakers next season, Klutch Sports CEO #RichPaul told ESPN. While James remaining in Los Angeles next season was a given, this decision ends months of speculation about what sort of contract he would return to the Lakers on. “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all... We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.” 💰 •aintyoumalcom