LeBron James to enter free agency after declining LA Lakers contract option despite son being drafted

LeBron James has decided to opt out of his $51.4 million player option for next season with the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the NBA legend heading for free agency.

James has spent six seasons with the Lakers and opting out would make the Lakers forward an unrestricted free agent. However, The Athletic reports that James is still expected to stay with the Lakers for the upcoming season.

The 39-year-old is still expected to ink a three-year, $162 million deal. The opting out will cost James around $2.3 million in total money - but it's a sacrifice potentially being made to ensure he lands a no-trade clause.

The Lakers also drafted James' eldest son , Bronny, in the second round of the NBA Draft, adding extra incentive for the basketball legend to stay put in L.A. The James father-son combination will be the NBA's first-ever. "In the history of the NBA, there's never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical," said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

READ MORE: Bronny James jersey number confirmed as LeBron's son makes change after joining Lakers

READ MORE: Bronny James drafted by Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron gets historic wish at last

"We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out… but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform."

Bronny is not expected to take up a major role for the Lakers in the upcoming season under the head coaching of J.J. Redick. He will most likely have to watch his father and fellow star, Anthony Davis, try and claw the Lakers into NBA Championship contention. Bronny could prove to be key defensively in the future, standing at just 6ft1in compared to his father's 6ft9in frame.

Davis spoke to ESPN, saying: "He's very good defensively. He can read the floor very well. I think he's a really good playmaker.I think he's going to be fine, man. Obviously it's a lot of pressure on him with his dad being who he is."

The two James' in the NBA at the same time has been a dream for a long time. "I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny," James previously said to ESPN. "Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him. But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure."

That dream was nearly shattered following Bronny's cardiac arrest last year after joining USC. The 19-year-old had collapsed on the court at Galen Center while preparing for his debut season in college basketball.

Bronny was given the all-clear to return to playing basketball and he featured in 25 matches for the Trojans with his dad LeBron often cheering from the sidelines as he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.