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DREAM HOME
LeBron James’ $37 million mega-mansion construction revealed overlooking LA as NBA legend prepares for retirement
Meanwhile, James has seemingly made a decision regarding his future with the Lakers
LEBRON James' new Los Angeles mansion is beginning to tower over the City of Angels.
Construction works progress well at the site of the $37 million estate the Los Angeles Lakers star demolished to build his dream retirement home.
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Pictures obtained by The U.S. Sun showed builders toiling away at the residence, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The building already had a clear shape with up to two levels seemingly erected at one end.
On the other, a white-stone structure – appearing to be a fireplace with a stylish half-circle bench – sat surrounded by tall privacy trees.
James, 39, bought the property, initially listed for $39 million, in 2020.
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A four-bedroom home from the 1930s originally stood on the 2.5-acre plot, boasting sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline.
It featured eight bathrooms, two separate guesthouses, and plenty of amenities such as a tennis court, a movie theater, and a swimming pool.
Meanwhile, the 20-time NBA All-Star has seemingly made a decision regarding his future.
Reports claim that the 6-foot-9 forward will decline his $51.4 million player option for 2024-25.
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That means he will hit free agency this summer.
James will reportedly re-sign with the Lakers, though.
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And he might even take a paycut to give the team more spending power in the offseason.
The NBA icon is "considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets," NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on Friday.
James is eligible to pen a max deal worth just under $50 million in 2024-25.
But he would have to sign for about $16 million less if the Lakers were to have the full mid-level exception at their disposal.
Time for LeBron to retire?
"At the end of the day, I hate to say it, but I believe this in my soul right now - I wish LeBron James would retire.
"Not because I don't want to see more of LeBron James, not because I don't appreciate LeBron James.
"But I honestly believe deep down inside, the more LeBron James continues to play the game of basketball, the more it's going to hurt his legacy and the more it's going to continue to hurt his GOAT argument.
"As long as he steps foot on that floor, every single season, there's gonna expectations of him winning a championship.
"And when he don't do that, we're gonna be looking at him saying: 'Well what happened now?'"
ESPN star Kendrick Perkins speaking on First Take about LeBron James' future in the NBA
The provision, allowing teams to sign free agents even if above the salary cap, is projected to be worth about $12.9 million next season.
Once back in Los Angeles, James is set to become the first father-son duo in NBA history.
The Lakers selected his eldest son Bronny with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 draft.
In a video posted by his younger brother, Bryce, the former University of Southern California guard could be seen fighting back tears as deputy commissioner Mark Tatum called his name on Friday.
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Their mom, Savannah, was also visibly emotional, wiping tears off her face with a tissue.
"You did it brother. I love ya more than life," Bryce captioned the clip, adding a heart emoji.
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