If LeBron James Leaves as Free Agent, Could All-Star Forward Replace Him?

One of the biggest decisions facing the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason revolves around their star player, LeBron James. As James becomes eligible to opt out of the final year of his contract, the basketball world is abuzz with speculation. Many believe that James will indeed opt out, only to re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal. However, the possibility of James departing raises critical questions about the Lakers’ future and their potential contingency plans.

If LeBron James decides to leave the Lakers as a free agent, it would mark a significant turning point for the franchise. The loss of such a pivotal player would necessitate immediate action to maintain the team’s competitiveness and championship aspirations. 

ESPN’s Chris Herring has suggested that if James leaves, the Lakers might turn to a familiar name: Paul George. George, who has spent the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, could be a viable option to fill the void left by James. Despite being 34, George remains one of the NBA’s best two-way players, noted for his defensive prowess and exceptional three-point shooting. In the past season, George ranked among the league’s top 10 in deflections per game and posted a career-best 41.3% from beyond the arc on nearly eight attempts per game.

However, acquiring George would come with significant challenges. The Lakers would likely need to execute a sign-and-trade deal, as they wouldn’t have the cap space to sign George outright, even if James were to leave. This scenario would require negotiation and cooperation from the Clippers, who may be reluctant to facilitate such a move, especially to their crosstown rivals.

While George could help mitigate the loss of James, he wouldn’t completely fill the superstar’s shoes. Additionally, George has been injury-prone, similar to Anthony Davis, which raises concerns about the team’s overall durability and consistency. The Lakers would need to carefully assess whether investing in George would be the best move for their long-term strategy.

If pursuing Paul George proves too complicated or impractical, the Lakers would need to explore other options. This might include focusing on developing their younger talent, making strategic trades, or signing other high-impact free agents. The goal would be to remain competitive while building a roster capable of deep playoff runs.

The Lakers’ offseason hinges significantly on LeBron James’ decision. While the hope is that he will re-sign with the team, preparing for his potential departure is crucial. Paul George presents an intriguing option but comes with challenges and risks. Ultimately, the Lakers must be ready to act swiftly and strategically to maintain their status as a top-tier NBA team, regardless of James’ choice.