Title: Jayson Tatum Turns Down $55.5M Lakers Offer, Reaffirms Loyalty to Celtics: “I Have No Plans Beyond Boston”
By Sports Insider Staff | July 19, 2025
In an era where NBA stars chase the biggest contracts and spotlighted coasts, Boston Celtics point forward Jayson Tatum has chosen legacy over luster — and loyalty over luxury.
According to sources confirmed by ESPN and NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Tatum has declined a staggering $55.5 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, who were aggressively pursuing him as a marquee replacement for the retiring LeBron James. The offer, which included front-loaded bonuses, performance incentives, and marketing deals exclusive to L.A., was reportedly “one of the most aggressive free-agent pitches in recent league history.”
But Tatum wasn’t swayed.
> “I have no plans beyond the Boston Celtics,” Tatum said in an exclusive sit-down interview with The Athletic, just hours after the Lakers’ bid was made public. “This is home. I came into this league wearing green and white, and I want to go out the same way.”
The Celtics star, who inked a $29.7 million extension with Boston in December 2024, made it clear that his focus is not only on his individual growth but on delivering another championship banner to the TD Garden rafters — something Boston fans haven’t seen since 2008.
The Lakers’ Pursuit
The Lakers’ front office, in search of a new face to carry the franchise post-LeBron, identified Tatum as their prime target early in the 2025 offseason. With a war chest of cap space and the appeal of Hollywood, they believed Tatum could be swayed by the chance to become “the next great Laker.”
A private pitch was made last week, reportedly involving a personal message from Magic Johnson and meetings with high-profile Los Angeles investors. A source close to the Lakers front office said:
> “We offered him the kingdom. But he didn’t hesitate — he said he was committed to Boston. You can’t buy that kind of loyalty.”
A Boston Legacy in the Making
Since being drafted third overall in 2017, Tatum has transformed into the face of the franchise and one of the league’s most consistent two-way stars. At just 27, he’s a five-time All-Star, NBA Finals MVP runner-up, and the Celtics’ all-time leader in playoff scoring.
But more than his stats, it’s his identity with the Celtics that’s drawn comparisons to past legends like Paul Pierce, John Havlicek, and Larry Bird.
> “This city raised me,” Tatum said, sitting courtside at TD Garden with his son Deuce. “I’ve grown here — as a player, as a father, as a man. There’s more to do, more to win, and I want to do it here.”
His decision to stay comes amid a league increasingly defined by player movement. Tatum’s resolve has earned him admiration not only from Celtics fans but from basketball purists across the country.
Teammates React
Star guard Jaylen Brown, who has shared the court with Tatum for eight seasons, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
> “Real one. Bleed green forever. Let’s finish what we started.”
Celtics president Brad Stevens also issued a statement praising Tatum’s decision:
> “Jayson embodies everything we want in a Celtic. Talent, toughness, humility, and unshakable commitment. We’re building something historic here — and he’s the cornerstone.”
What’s Next?
With a core of Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, and the newly-signed Damian Lillard, Boston is poised for a serious championship push in the 2025–2026 season. Tatum, rejuvenated and unbothered by the noise outside the Garden, is locked in — not for a check, but for a banner.
> “I’m not chasing teams. I’m building one,” Tatum said. “And we’re not done yet.”
Filed under: NBA Free Agency, Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Loyalty in Sports
