About to turn 41 and after exercising his player option to stay with the Lakers for $52.6 million, LeBron James could be traded. It would be the first time in his career. It’s no longer a utopia that this could happen.
The forward has come out on top in every battle against time, but he assumes he won’t always win. If he wants to look for a fifth ring, it has to be now. And he’s not sure he can get it with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to some US media, the Lakers are trying to keep assets to go all out for a big star in the market in… 2027! Too late for LeBron, who is no longer the alpha and omega of the franchise. In addition, it seems that they are not being consulted on the moves.
The Lakers have acquired Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes is going to stay. On the other hand, they lose Dorian Finney-Smith. Is that enough to fight for the title? An invitation for the cornerstone to ask to leave?
“We understand the difficulty of winning now while preparing for the future. We want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career. He wants to make the most of every season he has left, and the Lakers understand that, support him and want what’s best for him,” explained Rich Paul, the player’s powerful agent.
We want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career. He wants to make the most of every season he has left
Doncic is now the boss, who will also be able to opt for a four-year, $228 million contract extension from early August. A major move in the future of the franchise. Everything will revolve around him. Meanwhile, there are leaks that LeBron and Austin Reaves do not feel comfortable playing with the Slovenian. Another way to pave the way for any situation.
At least four teams have called to inquire
That LeBron’s transfer is no longer impossible is proven by the calls from teams to his representative. In recent days, at least four teams have inquired about the situation of one of the best players in history. There is talk of a return home to Cleveland; the Knicks, in whose arena, Madison Square Garden, the forward has always recognized that it is one of his favorite places to play; the Mavericks, the Warriors…
There are a lot of things going around that I don’t pay attention to. We don’t talk about it much. When things like that come up, he tells me not to worry
A transfer of LeBron would be historic… and very complicated. It is difficult to move a $52.6 million contract for a player who will turn 41 in December. Athletically, however, King James is still at an extraordinary level: 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, selected for the All-Star Game and part of the second best team of the season.
Bronny James, who the Lakers drafted last year so LeBron could fulfill his dream of playing with his son, recently cleared the air when asked about his father’s future. “There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t pay attention to. We don’t talk about it much. When things like that come up, he tells me not to worry about it, not to even pay attention to it,” the youngster said.
The season has been full of unusual situations: the departure of a megastar like Doncic, the number one draft pick for the Mavericks that went against the odds, the firing of coaches just days before the playoffs, unprecedented finals, the amazing comebacks of the Pacers, the seventh different champion in a row… Why not a trade that not long ago seemed impossible?
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