Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas criticized the Lakers’ decision not to offer LeBron James a contract extension, saying he would have structured a deal to keep the superstar in Los Angeles. Arenas suggested creative financial solutions, including investments tied to James’ long-term projects.
“If I was the owner, I would have made a deal with him. I would have had him opt out of that — that 50-something,” Arenas said on The Gilbert Arenas Show, via HoopsHype. “Ask him what he wanted. You know, if he needs some help with trying to start his own league, whatever, right?
“I know they ain’t got that kind of power like Steve Ballmer does, but I would have did something, man. Because him at 50 million — if I can give him 50 another way… If I can backdoor another 50 to him, like invest in his school or whatever — something that he’s going to capitalize later on in life to save me 50 today where I can build — I would have done it.”
LeBron enters the 2025–26 season on an expiring contract, marking the first time in his 23-year career he will play without guaranteed years ahead. Sources told Bleacher Report that James had hoped for a “one-plus-one” extension, which the Lakers declined to offer.
The proposed deal would have included one guaranteed year and a player option for the second, giving James flexibility while securing his presence for the team. The lack of an extension reportedly left the four-time NBA champion in a challenging negotiating position.
Los Angeles re-signed James in July 2024 to a two-year, $104 million contract with a no-trade clause and a player option, which he exercised earlier this offseason. This followed the drafting of his son Bronny, creating the first father-son duo in NBA history on the same team.
James has continued breaking records, including reaching 15,000 career field goals on December 1, 2025, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of only two players to achieve the milestone. At age 40, he remains a statistical leader, recording multiple triple-doubles and career firsts.
The Lakers’ front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, emphasized roster flexibility under the new CBA rules. Key offseason moves included acquiring Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia to support both James and Luka Doncic while maintaining financial and strategic options.
Despite not offering an extension, Pelinka stressed that the Lakers want James to finish his career in Los Angeles. “We want to give him absolute respect to choose his story,” he said, emphasizing James’ right to control his timeline with the franchise.
