It appears that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been at odds with each other for over a year, on the topic of adding a third star. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha is reporting that while LeBron has wanted a third star, the team has pushed back on the idea.
“The Lakers have pushed back in recent weeks and months on the notion of going down the three-star build path, so we’ll see how that all shakes out, but I think LeBron James is going to have a say in that,” Buha said on The Athletic NBA Show. “He obviously has the option to be a free agent and all the intel I’ve gathered over the last year plus has been LeBron has been pushing for a third star.”
While the Lakers have pushed back on LeBron’s plan for all this time, I am not sure they will be able to this offseason. The 39-year-old has a player option worth $51.4 million for 2024-25 and is expected to opt out of it to become a free agent.
James already has all the leverage and if he desperately wants that third star, the Lakers will have to go for it. Refusing to budge on their stance could lead to the 20-time All-Star leaving for nothing, which would be a disaster. That would end the Lakers’ title window immediately, which is something they wouldn’t want.
I understand that the Lakers would want to keep an eye on their future, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too. If they want LeBron to stick around, they might well have to part with some players and picks. Of course, all of this is moot if James is fine with staying even if they don’t fulfill his wish of getting a third star.
The Lakers seem to believe that some smaller moves would help them improve enough to the point that they can contend next season. If they can add some size and bench scoring, I think they will be in a good place for 2024-25, but would it be enough to go all the way and win the title? I doubt that.
LeBron James Spoke On His Future
Following that first-round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, LeBron refused to comment on his future with the Lakers, when asked if he had played his final game for the franchise. That led to a whole lot of speculation, which in turn led to James addressing his NBA future on social media.
“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends! When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel as well as my representation about it then you guys will know. Until then, Love.”
LeBron is keeping his cards close to his chest for now. As per The Athletic, the Lakers are open to offering LeBron a $164 million extension and drafting Bronny James. Keeping that in mind, the only way I don’t see him back on the Lakers next season is if there is a major falling out over this issue about the third star.
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