Key takeaways:
– The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason revolves around who they’ll hire and pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
– If he opts out of his contract, James could potentially leave the Lakers for free agency.
– James may find a new home with the Philadelphia 76ers.
– Three viable contracts for James could emerge this off-season.
– LeBron hasn’t taken less than the maximum since his 2014 return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
– The future of the Lakers is uncertain as a championship season does not seem imminent.
The Off-Season Buzz for the LA Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been the talk of the town off-season as speculation rises about who they’re going to hire, and who will team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, a wrinkle to this plot is that if James opts out of his player option, he could test free agency waters and potentially leave the Lakers.
An Unexpected Scenario
A twist in the tale presented by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report is the idea of James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. This move would offer James a ticket back to the Eastern Conference, and a chance to escape the ‘wild West’. The 76ers boast two undeniable stars in Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and a near-blank roster to shape around this potent trio.
Considering his last title win in LA was five seasons ago with a markedly different roster, James could be swayed in Philly’s favor. Despite a healthy season from the James-Davis duo, the Lakers didn’t manage more than a .573 winning percentage and an early playoff exit.
LeBron James’ Potential Contracts
James, who is on the cusp of signing a new contract this offseason, has three potential deals reportedly making sense according to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn. Due to his age, he can only agree to a contract spanning over three seasons, per the NBA’s Over-38 Rule.
The most lucrative deal for James would be an opt-in and extension, most likely with the Lakers, which could total a whopping $164 million-plus. If he decides to leave the Lakers, he’d be eligible for a 5% raise from a new team, totaling about $157 million. There’s also a scenario where he could take less than the max, but James has not chosen this option since he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014-2015 season.
James Must Weigh His Options
The Lakers have reportedly failed to capitalize on their roster in the last few seasons. Kevin O’Connor, a contributor for The Ringer, suggested that in their current state, the Lakers might not be championship contenders anytime soon. He opined that given the competitive nature of the Western Conference, LeBron should consider his options moving forward.
Could Philadelphia Be LeBron’s New Game Ground?
A potential move to the 76ers and the Eastern Conference could be appealing to James. Pairing up with stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey offers an enticing chance for LeBron to end his career on a high note – winning another championship.
The ongoing off-season is ablaze with gossip and speculation surrounding Lakers’ roster and their superstar, LeBron James. However, only time will tell where James decides to sink his hoop next season. But, one thing is for sure, whatever choice he makes will result in ripples throughout the NBA fraternity.