Lakers fans received bad news about LeBron James before game 3 against the Denver Nuggets
Not only are Lakers fans dealing with the stress of a 0-2 series scoreline, they’re also worried about the fitness of LeBron.
The Los Angeles Lakers were already facing an immense uphill battle; now they’re scaling the incline with one leg tied to the other. And a blindfold on. And there’s a pebble in their shoe. The Los Angeles outfit are currently 0-2 down against the Denver Nuggets after a couple of reality checks (114-103 & 101-99) away from home that have thrown their progression into doubt.
And now LeBron James may not be fit for Game 3. Here’s the latest.
What injury does LeBron James have? When will he return?
The 39-year-old has been listed on the official injury report submitted to the NBA as ‘questionable’ with the Lakers citing his injury as Peroneal Tendinopathy in his left ankle. In normal people speak, that’s inflammation in the tendons that run along your outer ankle bone.
However, LeBron is pushing hard ahead of time to be fit and have another go at taking down the Nuggets, who are proving to be worthy opponents for the NBA legend. Fingers crossed, Lakers fans, that he’s fit to play.
Full screenLeBron’s left ankle is causing Lakers fans to worry.Harry HowGetty Images
Who is injured for the Lakers against the Nuggets in Game 3?
The other big news for the Lakers is that Christian Wood is definitely out for the event, while Anthony Davis is listed, like LeBron, as ‘probable’. The former is suffering from a left knee injury while the latter has ‘lower back’ soreness.
Further, more long-term injuries include Jalen Hood-Schifino is out as he’s recovering from back surgery while Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt are unavailablewith ankle sprains.
The game between theNuggets and the Lakers will be played on Thursday April 25 with tip-off at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. You can follow all the drama on AS USA as it unfolds in Los Angeles.
Lakers Injury Report: Jarred Vanderbilt Upgraded To Questionable In Game 5 Against Nuggets
The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Monday’s Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets in their first round series and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain) was upgraded to questionable for the first time.
Additionally, LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) and Anthony Davis (left wrist sprain) are listed as probable although neither star is in danger of missing a game of this magnitude with the Lakers facing a win-or-go-home scenario.
Vanderbilt has missed the last two-plus months with the foot injury and seemed to be trending towards a return in the last couple weeks although was unable to in the first four games of this series. With the Lakers winning Game 4 to extend the series though, it now appears the defensive-minded forward could be able to return in Denver on Monday night.
The Lakers certainly can use Vanderbilt if he is healthy, although after missing so much time, it may not be wise to throw him right into the fire in a must-win game given the stakes. Vanderbilt is not known for his offense and will likely be out of rhythm after missing so much time.
The same was said for Christian Wood, who returned from a knee injury in Game 4 but did not make it into the contest. He is off the injury report fully now, so head coach Darvin Ham has both Wood and Vanderbilt as options if he would like to go to them.
On the Nuggets side of things, star point guard Jamal Murray’s status is in jeopardy after injuring his calf in Game 4. He is listed as questionable with a left calf strain although surely will do whatever he can to be on the floor at home in a closeout game opportunity.
LeBron James: Jarred Vanderbilt’s return would bring energy to Lakers
LeBron James is known to be one of Jarred Vanderbilt’s biggest fans since he joined the Lakers, and he recently discussed what he would bring to the team if the forward is able to return during the Nuggets series or sometime during the postseason.
“Energy,” James said. “Super high energetic, defensively, some of the things he brings to our team, you don’t even teach. You just allow him to go out there and just be Vando. We don’t know for sure that we’re getting him back, we don’t know, we’ve only seen a couple reports. But he knows his body better than anybody.”
LeBron James officially made a statement about his future after the Lakers were eliminated
James can become a free agent this offseason
LeBron James has now played six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. One more and he would match his first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers for his longest tenure with a single team. The choice to reach that milestone, thanks to a player-option in his contract, is entirely in his hands. At this moment, James is seemingly still on the fence about whether or not he would like to do so.
The Lakers were eliminated from the postseason by the Denver Nuggets on Monday, which naturally prompted questions about James’ future in Los Angeles. If he has made up his mind, he decided not to share a decision. When asked if there was any thought about whether or not this could be his last game as a Laker following Monday’s loss, James took a lengthy pause and declined to answer.
James tends to keep his cards close to the chest when it comes to offseason plans. He has changed teams on three occasions, and he controlled the messaging involved in each of those moves. In 2010, he announced his move to the Miami Heat on a televised interview he titled “The Decision.” In 2014, he revealed that he planned to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a first-person letter published by Sports Illustrated. His 2018 move to the Lakers was announced in a press release by Klutch Sports, his agency.
He still has two months to make up his mind about that player option, and for now, he seemingly intends to use that time to evaluate the Lakers. According to Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, “it’s anticipated James, ahead of his June 29 option date, will want to see how the Lakers manage the offseason and their approach to building the roster around him and Davis.”
The Lakers have three first-round picks to trade this summer. The bulk of their core is still under contract, though D’Angelo Russell can also walk thanks to a player-option on his end. Head coach Darvin Ham’s job is reportedly in jeopardy. There is room for significant change in Los Angeles this offseason. That change may even include a new home for James. For now, though, the team has two months to convince him that he should retire as a Laker.
LeBron James’s agent announced the exact date ‘King James’ will retire
Perhaps the biggest offseason question surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers is LeBron James’ future with the franchise. After a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs, there is rumors swirling that The King could possibly retire or look for greener pastures elsewhere. He quickly addressed the rumblings on social media Tuesday, saying he’s yet to make a decision on what the next step will look like.
Hanging up the sneakers feels unlikely given just how productive he still is and James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear he sees the league’s all-time leading scorer playing another 2-5 years, as he revealed on The All The Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson:
“I think body wise, 5 (years). Mind-wise, understanding how to play the game mind-wise forever. Mind-wise as it pertains to frustration and or just like, man I had enough, just missing time with his family, they’ve been unbelievable. So his support system at some point it’s got to be about them, and I think from that perspective maybe 2-3 (years) from that perspective.”
It’s rather obvious that LeBron’s body is capable of playing a few more years at the minimum. He doesn’t invest $1 million per year into his body for nothing. But, as Paul pointed out, it eventually will be more about being there for his family. Bronny is on the verge of the NBA jump, although he’ll likely start in the G-League. Bryce James is a solid prep prospect as well and has a bright future ahead.
LeBron James isn’t slowing down
LeBron has a player option with the Lakers in 2024-25 worth $51 million before becoming a free agent next summer. But, Bron could hit the open market in the coming months if he declines that option by June 29th.
After losing in five games to the Denver Nuggets, The King refused to answer if it was his final game in the Purple and Gold:
“I’m not going to answer that,” he said.
Year 21 was still extremely productive for the 39-year-old, posting averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks. James also shot 54% from the field and 41% from three-point land. The superstar put up 30 points in Games 4 and 5 versus Denver, doing everything he could to help the Lakers stay in the series. But, the supporting cast didn’t do their part.
Anthony Davis, who Bron lured to Los Angeles, will be there to support his teammate, no matter what he does.
Via ESPN:
“I mean, he has been in this position numerous times in his career, where he had to make a decision ultimately for himself and his family,” Davis said of LeBron James, whom he will be teaming up with at the Olympics. “I’ll be right there supporting whatever he decides to do. … It’s still fresh. I mean, I’m pretty sure it’s not even on his mind right now. But I’m pretty sure he’ll come talk to me, tell me what’s going on before he becomes public with the situation, just to keep me in the loop.”
“Obviously, it’s been a great five seasons with him,” Davis continued. “If he does decide to come back, obviously this isn’t what we want to be left at, losing in the first round. If he does, obviously our goal is to come back and be a championship contender, stay healthy and give Laker Nation what they deserve.
“But he has a decision to make, and when that time comes, he’ll inform me and inform you guys.”
Every single NBA fan will be awaiting what LeBron’s decision on his future.
Information appeared that LeBron James left the Lakers to go to Dallas
LA Lakers’ LeBron James Trade to Dallas Mavericks? Pros & Cons
BetOhio.com shows the Dallas Mavericks as having the fourth-best odds to trade for LeBron James if he decides to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. We discuss the pros and cons of this potential move and its feasibility.
Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the postseason, as they have a 3-2 series lead on the Los Angeles Clippers with a chance to advance to the second round in Friday night’s Game 6 at American Airlines Center.
With that being said, though, many eyes are already watching for what might be next for Lakers star LeBron James. According to BetOhio.com, the Mavs have the fourth-best odds to pull off a trade for the league’s all-time leading scorer at +3000 odds.
Although the odds of LeBron making his way to Dallas to join forces with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are slim, we decided to break down pros and cons of such a hypothetical deal.
Pro: Dallas gets one of the greatest players of all time
LeBron’ value as a player and global icon can’t be overstated. When all is said and done, “The Chosen One” will go down as one of the best to ever play the game. Regardless of personal opinions, it’s impossible to deny the significant impact he’s had on the sport. The benefits of signing LeBron are numerous, as he is a living legend who automatically adds value to any team, organization, or city that he is associated with.
Pro: Luka gains a mentor who could make him even better
Setting aside any opposing personal viewpoints, there is no one better for Luka to learn from than LeBron. Both players have a similar style of play and possess a comparable understanding of the game. The primary difference is that LeBron has been a professional athlete for a longer period of time and has achieved the career milestones that Luka aspires to.
Moreover, LeBron could mentor Luka on how to take care of his body as he grows older, which could potentially help him achieve the same longevity that LeBron has experienced throughout his career.
Pro: LeBron is still really good
At the age of 39, LeBron is putting up stats that defy logic, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds this season. What’s even more impressive is that he has played in 71 games this season, proving his endurance and durability.
LeBron shot a solid 56 percent from the field and a career-best 41 percent from beyond the arc. Though he may not have the same athleticism he had in his younger years, he has compensated for it with his improved overall skill set. His game has aged like fine wine, and he is still a dominant force in this league.
Con: Top players would need to accept new roles
If Dallas were to add another ball-dominant player to their team, there would be a need for certain individuals to adjust and accept new roles that may not align with their preferences. In the hypothetical scenario where Dallas has a “big three,” one of them would need to take on a predominantly off-ball role.
This would require the player to primarily operate out of triple-threat off the catch and utilize off-ball movement. LeBron would be the best fit for this role given his current skill set. However, it remains unclear whether he would be willing to accept such a role. If he isn’t willing, it could lead to some issues.
Con: The cost
The current salary cap situation for the Mavericks makes it difficult for them to sign LeBron James in free agency. They do not have enough cap room to sign him outright. The only way Dallas can afford to sign King James is by trading away a king’s ransom in players to the Lakers.
All potential trade packages that could make this happen would likely involve P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford, something that is not preferable for the Mavs in the long run.
Is it feasible?
In order for Dallas to afford LeBron James, they would need to be willing to trade away valuable assets and a large portion of their roster. However, it remains uncertain whether LeBron would even be interested in joining the Mavericks. To entice him, the Mavs would need to make his dream of playing alongside his son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., a reality. This could be achieved by drafting Bronny in June.
The Mavericks currently hold a late second-round draft pick, and Bronny is not currently listed in most 2024 mock drafts. However, the Golden State Warriors have also expressed interest in drafting James, and they are projected to pick before the Mavericks. Therefore, Dallas may need to give up even more to draft Bronny, which wouldn’t be ideal.
In conclusion, It’s possible for the Mavericks to bring LeBron James on board, but it may not be practical to do so. While LeBron is an exceptional player, it would be difficult to justify giving up so much for a 39-year-old superstar. The Mavericks are currently headed in the right direction, and it would be wise to trust the process and invest in the young talent they currently possess.
LeBron James “bristled” at the Lakers coach’s plan for him
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently searching for their new head coach
Alot of pressure was on the Los Angeles Lakers before the season started. The was eliminated I the previous year against the Denver Nuggets by getting swept in the first round of the playoffs and the leaders of the team also felt the level criticism they faced.
Darvin Ham tried to come up with a plan that would help him and the team once they got back to the playoffs, but things did not turn quite like he wanted to.
According to reports, Ham wanted to put forth a minutes restriction to LeBron James just to have him fresh for the postseason and avoid another meltdown.
Sources have said that James “bristled at the idea” and after a few games into the current season, the plan was disregarded.
If fans want to read into it, it can be difficult to acknowledge that by not executing the plan, the Lakers once again failed to advance further than the first round of the playoffs, as once again the Nuggets eliminated them, this time in five games.
LeBron James had a different plan
In 71 games, LeBron James totaled 2,504 minutes, the most since joining the Lakers in 2018 and the most since he accumulated since he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game and earned his 20th consecutive appearance in the All-Star game this season
Now, uncertainty looms the organization as they’ve fired their head coach and it is unclear if LeBron James will continue with the team next season.
Breaking news: Kyrie Irving joins the Lakers to reunite with LeBron James
The Dallas Mavericks star guard considered taking his talents to Los Angeles to reunite with LeBron James before being traded to Dallas
Former teammates Kyrie Irving and LeBron James nearly reunited. The two won an NBA Championship together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in a miracle 3-1 comeback series victory over the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
Since their departure, James has won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, though Irving still seeks his second career championship, now looking to do so with the Dallas Mavericks.
Before being traded to Dallas, Irving was exploring offseason moves he could make after his final season under contract with the Brooklyn Nets — where he signed in 2019 to team up with Kevin Durant.
Irving told FOX Sports’ Melissa Rohlin he considered reuniting with James, joining the Los Angeles Lakers after requesting a trade from the Nets in 2023.
“Everything was considered,” Irving told Rohlin. “He’s a great friend of mine, a great brother of mine. We obviously played together [in Cleveland]. Everybody knows our history. But there were so many different factors in between. When it comes to business decisions, you have to ask the GMs, the presidents why certain things didn’t work out.”
While the trio of Irving, James, and Anthony Davis likely would have resulted in more wins for the Lakers this season, the pairing of Irving and Luka Doncic in Dallas has shown potential.
In his first full season with the Mavericks, Irving is in a position to close out the LA Clippers in Game 6 as Dallas leads the series 3-2. In a world where Irving ends up with the Lakers, there is no telling how things would have ended up, or whether he would have received a contract extension like he did with the Mavericks.
Now, things will get interesting as James can opt out of his contract this offseason and become an unrestricted free agent. Maybe Irving can do a bit of recruiting to get James into the DFW to make a title push with Doncic and his former teammate.
Retooling The Los Angeles Lakers In The Smartest Possible Way For The 2024-25 Season..
The Lakers can retool and create a superteam in the smartest way this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to be reeling from their exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, and they never really had a chance to win the series. Looking ahead, there are major doubts about their future when it comes to their head coach, Darvin Ham, who is on the hot seat, and most importantly, their players, including LeBron James.
Luckily, the Lakers can return next season and create a superteam this summer by retooling their roster. With these steps in order, the Lakers can keep their superstar players on the team and find a way to add some to the lineup in what can be considered the greatest offseason ever.
Select Bronny James In 2024 NBA Draft
Credit: Fadeaway World
Armed with a 2024 first-round pick (17th) and even a second-round pick (55th) acquired from the LA Clippers, the Lakers possess a unique opportunity to select Bronny James, the son of their star player, LeBron James. Projected to be available in the second round but could be taken earlier, Bronny’s addition to the Lakers roster would not only fulfill LeBron’s long-standing desire to play alongside his son but also serve as a strategic move to ensure the continued presence of the King in Los Angeles.
Selecting Bronny offers a cost-effective investment in young talent with significant potential since the shooting guard is 6’4” and has nice athleticism and a decent jump shot. The prospect of LeBron and Bronny sharing the court creates an electric storyline that would undoubtedly captivate NBA fans and media alike, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season. Crucially, keeping LeBron James content and committed is paramount to the Lakers’ success, and drafting Bronny could prove to be the key to achieving this goal.
LeBron James Re-Sign With The Lakers
LeBron James has a player option worth $51,415,938 this summer, but clearly, The King will be looking for a more lucrative deal over the longer term instead of a one-and-done season. Bobby Marks did a fantastic job of breaking down how much LeBron can sign for whether he opts in or not.
Opting in and extending his contract (after August 18th) means he can end up with $54,285,000 in 2025-26 and $58,627,800 in 2026-27. Rejecting his player option and signing a three-year deal means James can accept a salary breakdown of $49,987,718 in 2024-25, $53,986,735 in 2025-26, and $57,985,752. The difference in these two scenarios also comes down to the fact that James can negotiate a no-trade clause by opting out but can’t do that by opting in.
Regardless of which option we see James take, deciding to stay in Los Angeles, not only secures his presence in Los Angeles but also bolsters the Lakers’ championship aspirations. Luckily for Lakers fans, the organization is more than interested in bringing him back on a long-term deal. Approaching his 40th birthday, LeBron continues to defy age, showcasing elite skills and athleticism that surpass many of his younger counterparts.
Averaging an impressive 24.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game this season, LeBron’s on-court prowess remains unmatched and he followed that up with averages of 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.
Beyond his statistical dominance, LeBron’s basketball acumen, leadership, and adaptability make him an invaluable asset to the Lakers’ roster. His decision to stay underscores his unwavering belief in the team’s ability to contend for the NBA title next year. If Rich Paul is correct in saying LeBron James has two or three years left in the tank, it isn’t impossible to believe that James remains until the 2026-27 campaign.
Trae Young Trade Scenario
Credit: Fadeaway World
With LeBron and Bronny intact, the Lakers can focus their attention on building a superteam and the first order of business is negotiating a blockbuster deal for Trae Young.
Trae Young’s playmaking skills and uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the court have made him a target for teams seeking to bolster their championship aspirations, and he has been on the trading block for the past few months. With LeBron James and his son Bronny still in the fold, the Lakers possess a unique opportunity to harness Young’s talents.
The addition of Young would alleviate much of the ball-handling burden that has traditionally fallen on LeBron’s shoulders, affording him the luxury of operating more off the ball and conserving energy for crucial moments. Young’s court vision and knack for finding open teammates would unlock new dimensions in the Lakers’ offense, enabling seamless integration with LeBron and Anthony Davis. He averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game with only Dejounte Murray as his recognized star.
Moreover, Young’s presence would serve as a mentorship opportunity for Bronny James, providing him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of elite-level playmaking and leadership. As LeBron’s eventual successor, Bronny stands to benefit immensely from learning under the tutelage of a dynamic young talent like Young, whose trajectory as a franchise cornerstone aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ long-term ambitions.
With Young under contract until 2025-26 and still only 25 years old, he represents not only an immediate asset but also a cornerstone around which the Lakers can build their future once LeBron eventually retires. In essence, acquiring Trae Young isn’t just about bolstering the Lakers’ championship aspirations in the short term; it’s about laying the foundation for their franchise player in the future.
Zach LaVine Trade Scenario
Credit: Fadeaway World
The Lakers can engage in one more bold move by targeting another All-Star player, Zach LaVine, to create a new Big Four capable of winning the NBA title next season.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent
Acquiring Zach LaVine would add another dynamic dimension to the Lakers’ offensive arsenal. Despite enduring a challenging season marred by injury as he only averaged 19.5 points per game on 34.9% from three in 25 games played, LaVine’s proven track record as a prolific scorer makes him an enticing target as a third or fourth option. Joining forces with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Trae Young, LaVine would slot seamlessly into the Lakers’ lineup.
LaVine’s ability to thrive as an off-ball shooter and excel in transition would perfectly complement the playing styles of his superstar teammates. His lethal three-point shooting prowess (career 38.2%), coupled with his explosiveness in the open court, would add a new dimension to the Lakers’ fast-break offense. Moreover, LaVine’s willingness to defer to his teammates and embrace an off-ball scoring role would enable the Lakers to distribute offensive responsibilities more evenly.
At just 29 years old, LaVine not only offers immediate impact but also represents a strategic investment in the Lakers’ long-term success. His combination of youth and elite-level production ensures that the Lakers can continue to compete at the highest level for years to come, and he can be part of an exciting backcourt in Los Angeles.
Possible Free Agency Moves
Credit: Fadeaway World
With their Big Four in place and even a prospect like Bronny looking to improve on a title contender, the Lakers can replenish their departed assets with some new talent. Since they will have four players on max salaries, the Lakers will only be able to build their depth chart with veteran minimum or mid-level contracts.
For guards, the Lakers can bring back Spencer Dinwiddie on a minimum deal or look toward the likes of Kyle Lowry if he is interested in taking a pay cut to win a championship. Otherwise, the Lakers can target Alec Burks (38.3% 3-PT FG) or Malik Beasley (38.5% 3-PT FG) on team-friendly deals as they can space the floor from three.
The Lakers can also improve their frontcourt depth behind Anthony Davis and LeBron James by targeting natural small forwards or power forwards. Royce O’Neale is an obvious one since he defends at a high level and shot 37.0% from three this season, or Gordon Hayward can accept a team-friendly deal at 34 years old to bring some veteran presence. Jeff Green, Kevin Love, P.J. Tucker, and Nicolas Batum are all veterans who will accept minimum deals on a title contender or simply re-signing Taurean Prince works just as well.
In terms of centers, the Lakers can only pray that Jonas Valanciunas will want to win a title and accept a minimum deal. Otherwise, more realistic options include veterans Andre Drummond, Christian Wood, and Dario Saric while Precious Achiuwa is only 24 years old and brings athleticism to the frontcourt.
The Lakers need to prioritize signing a good center so that Anthony Davis can play at his natural position as a power forward. Based on this information, we will create the best team possible around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, including starting lineups and bench players.
Lakers New Roster For The 2024-25 NBA Season
Credit: Fadeaway World
With their new Big Four and a depth chart of veterans and win-now players, the Lakers can create an entirely new roster in 2024-25 to win an NBA championship immediately. Assuming the Lakers can not strike completely big in free agency and go for the realistic options, here is what the roster can look like next year.
Starters: Trae Young, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Jonas Valanciunas
Bench: Spencer Dinwiddie, Alec Burks, Bronny James, Taurean Prince, Gordon Hayward, Jeff Green, Andre Drummond
This roster is built for success. Obviously, the depth chart could change depending on who the Lakers decide to bring in but the goal is the same: bring back veterans and mid-level contracts to play around the new Big Four and prospect Bronny James. As long as the Lakers have their superteam and a roster built around defenders, bigs, and shooters, this team can win the championship in 2024-25 and even remain the favorites until 2026-27 when James is expected to retire.
No other team in the West can compare to what the Lakers can build and that includes the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers. A superteam led by LeBron James has normally resulted in at least one NBA championship, so we can expect that to occur as soon as next season.
LeBron James : Lakers Open to 3-Year, $164M Contract in NBA Free Agency 2024
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
In the wake of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, LeBron James has a decision to make about his future in the NBA.
Per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick, the Lakers “badly” want James back and they are open to discussing a three-year, $164 million max extension he’s eligible to sign this summer:
“This franchise has always been buoyed by the stars, and James’ ability to still play at an elite level at his advanced age has only strengthened the desire to have him retire in a purple-and-gold jersey one day. And after six seasons together in which there has been no shortage of ups and downs, (Jeanie) Buss and James, team sources say, have a relationship that is better than ever these days.”
James has to decide whether to opt in to his $51.4 million player option for next season by June 29.
When asked about his future after the Lakers’ 108-106 loss on Monday night, James told reporters he hasn’t made any decisions yet.
“I don’t have an answer … to be honest. I haven’t given it much thought,” he said.
The Athletic noted James’ relationship with the franchise “stabilized” after he seemed to be disillusioned earlier in the season by posting cryptic emojis on social media prior to the trade deadline.
LeBron James@KingJames
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported on Feb. 14 the Golden State Warriors tried to approach the Lakers and James prior to the trade deadline, but neither Los Angeles nor James were interested in a move.
In addition to his potential free agency, James will be spending the next few months preparing for what will almost certainly be his final appearance in the Olympics with Team USA this summer.
There has been no indication James wants to leave Los Angeles, but things could always change if a situation opens up that he thinks would provide him with a better opportunity to win a title before his career ends.
If James does sign a three-year deal with the Lakers, it would take him through his age-42 season. He’s already the oldest active player in the league and will turn 40 on Dec. 30.
While that would be a significant risk for any team to take, James proved this season at the age of 39 he’s still capable of playing at a high level. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in 71 starts.
LeBron James could end up ditching Lakers for an Eastern Conference powerhouse this offseason
Reports suggest the Philadelphia 76ers could be a real option for King James.
LeBron James’ time in Los Angeles could be coming to an end.LAPRESSE
Following a first round exit in the NBA Playoffs and a fourth straight season without a championship, LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers has become incredibly murky.
James continues to play at an extremely high level at 39 years old, but the Lakers roster could stand to get some big upgrades. James also doesn’t seem to see eye-to-eye with head coach Darvin Ham, but he will reportedly be back as the coach for next season.
LeBron James offers an unexpected reason for Lakers’ poor performance
Could LeBron James join the Philadelphia 76ers?
That could see LeBron make the jump somewhere else, and rumors have begun popping up about the Philadelphia 76ers being a potential destination.
We’re yet to see truly credible sources, although The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor recently reported that Sixers GM Daryl Morey tried to trade for James before the trade deadline. Obviously, they would be all-in if James actually becomes available.
Matching James with Joel Embiid would make for must-watch TV. Adding Tyrese Maxey, who is shining the playoffs, to the mix makes the Sixers an appealing option for the aging James.
Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse is well-respected around the league and won the NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. It wouldn’t be a surprise if LeBron gets persuaded.
Full screenLeBron’s left ankle is causing Lakers fans to worry.Harry HowGetty Images
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