LeBron James mum on player option for 2024-25, hourglass tweet

NEW YORK — Speaking to reporters for the first time since his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN's Brian Windhorst that he would not pursue a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James said he is undecided on what contract decision he will have to make with the franchise this summer.

James has a player option on his contract with Los Angeles for $51.4 million for 2024-25, which would be his 22nd season in the NBA.

Asked if he knew what he would do with that option after Saturday's shootout before the Lakers' game against the New York Knicks, James said, “No.”

Speaking for the first time since tweeting an hourglass emoji with all the sand filtered to the bottom after Los Angeles' blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, James also declined to clarify the tweet.

James missed the Lakers' 114-105 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday because of left ankle soreness, but seemed determined to play against the Knicks after a four-day break.

“Physically? I mean, I've been better. But I've been a lot worse. But hopefully I can come out and contribute tonight, help our team win the game, obviously,” James said. “I'm very proud of our effort in Boston. These guys stepped up and played exceptional basketball. It's beautiful to see. Beautiful to watch.”

James, who reiterated his appreciation for playing at Madison Square Garden as he has throughout his career, was also asked if he ever wondered what it would have been like to play for the Knicks .

“During my free agency period in 2010, that was one of the teams I looked at,” James said. “So I’ve had that thought throughout my career.”