LeBron James did the Los Angeles Lakers a favor last offseason and signed for less than what he could have in hopes of helping them get extra talent. Though he was generous that time, it doesn’t look like he’ll be doing it this time around, according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
“I will make the prediction that I don’t think LeBron takes a discount,” Buha said on his podcast. “I think it would have to be with a certain player or need in mind that makes sense. For instance, if Naz Reid is willing to take the non-taxpayer MLE, I believe LeBron would consider it.
“Or if they’re going do a signing trade kind of similar to what they were planning to do with Klay [Thompson], maybe LeBron considers that. Like, this dude’s trying to buy a team once he retires. I don’t think he’s just looking to give up money, to be honest.”
The Lakers weren’t able to get the substantial help they needed with James taking the pay cut, but there’s no doubt that throughout the season, they’ve added talent with trades. This offseason will be crucial, especially with Luka Doncic at the forefront of the organization’s mind, and it will be interesting to see what they do to surround him with talent.
Will LeBron James help the Lakers this offseason?
If LeBron James has plans outside of his basketball career, such as buying a team like Jovan Buha mentions, there’s a chance that he won’t be so generous in taking less money. Also, with the Lakers giving Doncic the keys for the future, James could just take all the money he can get now with him not being the biggest priority in the organization.
The Lakers are going to do their best to surround Doncic with talent, in hopes that not only can they compete for years to come, but that they can actually get him to sign an extension with team.
“He’s gotta see how they build this team around him and what they do in June and July for when August 2 comes,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on First Take. “The Lakers ain’t winning a championship this year; their big moment is whether or not Luka commits to the future.”
Right now, the Lakers are playing some of the best basketball in the league over 19 games, and there’s a good chance that they keep the momentum going into the playoffs, where they’ll be a team many don’t want to face.
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