The Los Angeles Lakers have some big decisions to make this offseason, in terms of re-signing players. Quite a few on their roster could be headed to free agency in the summer and about 30,000 fans were asked who they’d want to see back. Quite shockingly, 13 percent of them did not want LeBron James to be re-signed.
1. LeBron James – 87%-13% (Yes-No)
2. Max Christie – 80%-20% (Yes-No)
3. Taurean Prince – 59%-41% (Yes-No)
4. D’Angelo Russell – 55%-45% (Yes-No)
5. Jaxson Hayes – 55%-45% (Yes-No)
6. Christian Wood – 43%-57% (Yes-No)
7. Spencer Dinwiddie – 40%-60% (Yes-No)
8. Cam Reddish -39%-61% (Yes-No)
I asked 30K Laker fans who they'd want to see back in LA. Here's how they responded 👀
What sticks out to you? pic.twitter.com/O7fuI6zly5
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 5, 2024
You do have to wonder what on earth was going through the minds of that 13 percent. If LeBron, who has a player option worth $51.4 million for 2024-25, leaves the Lakers this summer, any chance of them winning a championship in the near future goes with him.
James was, at worst, their second-best player in this 2023-24 campaign and ended the regular season with averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. The 39-year-old played well in that first-round series against the Denver Nuggets as well and the Lakers need him back.
As for the rest, Christie being that high isn’t all that surprising. The Lakers fans have held him in very high regard and were disappointed that former head coach Darvin Ham didn’t play him at all against the Nuggets. Christie will be a restricted free agent this summer and I would expect the Lakers to bring him back.
I am a bit surprised that Prince got that much support, considering how much stick he got from the fanbase throughout the season. The 30-year-old was the Lakers’ best player off the bench against the Nuggets and that perhaps played a role there.
While Prince played well against Denver, for the most part, Russell did not. The 28-year-old showed once again, that he cannot be relied upon in the playoffs. Had the fans been asked to vote when the regular season ended, Russell certainly would have gotten a lot more love.
Hayes was the only other player to be above 50 percent and I was taken aback by that. The big man had his moments in the second half of the campaign, but I think the Lakers need someone better than him in that backup role.
As for the three under 50 percent, I think the only surprise there was that 40 percent of the voters actually wanted Dinwiddie back. He was so ineffective after the Lakers signed him mid-season and I don’t believe he should be re-signed.
NBA Fans React To The Fan Votes
The fan polling results went viral on X and NBA fans had some interesting reactions to it.
One said LeBron should have been at 100 percent.
Lebron should be 100%
— Around the league (@Atleague11) May 5, 2024
A fan can’t believe how many people want Russell back.
If they want Dlo back we still haven’t learned after 2 years.
— More Life With Lavish (@coachlavish) May 5, 2024
One felt 40 percent for Dinwiddie was far too high.
40% for dinwiddie is crazy
— JAYMONTE (@Jayteizx) May 6, 2024
A fan wildly claimed that 55 percent of Lakers fans want to lose, based on the voting for Russell.
55% of Lakers fans love to lose
— ⚖️ AndyMPok 🦉 (@AndyMPok) May 6, 2024
One was shocked that so many wanted Taurean Prince back.
Ain’t no way yall Prince back😭
— Ed Atkins (@e_atkins5) May 6, 2024
It will be interesting to see how many of them are brought back. It has been reported that the Lakers are open to offering LeBron a $164 million extension and drafting Bronny James, so they want the 20-time All-Star to stay. As for the rest, only time will tell.
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