If D'Angelo Russell opts out of his contract and LeBron James takes approximately $12 million less than his max, then the Los Angeles Lakers will have their full midlevel exception available to use in free agency, reports Brian Windhorst on his the Hoop Collective podcast.
"If Russell opts out, the Lakers will have a window to do something," said Windhorst. "And, look, LeBron may shut the door shut. I do think if they had a plan of who they could sign for the full midlevel, they could take it to LeBron and he would at least listen."
If James opts out, he can sign a new contract with a no-trade clause and also give the Lakers optionality under this scenario. James could sign for up to $160 million over three seasons if he opts out with a no-trade clause, or he could opt-in at $51.4 million and then sign an extension worth $162 million over three season but without the no-trade clause.
If Russell opts in to his $18.7 million contract for 24-25, the Lakers will likely explore trade scenarios involving him.
