The Los Angeles Lakers have made some key offseason moves to form a more competitive roster with Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. While the team’s outlook has certainly been towards the future, Skip Bayless believes there is an underlying message to it.
While speaking on “The Skip Bayless Show“, the media personality claimed that the Lakers’ roster moves were an indication of the team’s decision to move on from their superstar LeBron James. He said:
“It’s starting to strongly feel like the Lakers would have been fine if LeBron had just gone ahead and opted out and gone elsewhere. They would have been fine with that. It feels like, smells like they’ve already decided to move on from LeBron after the next season, in which they are stuck with LeBron at 52.6 million.”
Bayless addressed that by opting into his contract, James will effectively be auditioning for his next contract, something he’s never done before.
While James’ future with the team seems secure at the moment, the broadcaster suggested that the Lakers won’t pay as much attention to what the 40-year-old superstar does next.
This is primarily because Doncic is the future of this team. The Lakers reinforced this by recently offering him a three-year, $165 million extension. While James has been supportive of this, there have been some questions about his future with the franchise.
These concerns came to light when a clip of James working out in the old Clippers‘ facility surfaced. Though some claimed the location held no significance, Bayless had plenty to say about the optics.
“If, deep down, LeBron doesn’t want to finish anywhere else but in L.A., then what’s left? If the Lakers say no, is it the Clippers or bust?” asked Bayless.
James reportedly wants to retire in Los Angeles, though that doesn’t necessarily mean with the Lakers. Bayless continued by pointing out all the links to the Clippers that would support a potential move. He said:
“Reunite with Ty Lue, with whom LeBron won his last REAL championship back in Cleveland. This is contingent on the Clippers wanting him. I don’t know if that they would. But even if they did want him, it’s not gonna be for 50 or 60 million bucks. Not with their cap situation. I guess that’s why LeBron started posting pictures at the Clippers facility.”
While there have been trade proposals and packages created to facilitate James’ move to the Clippers, there are several logistical challenges involved.
Additionally, when considering their approach to roster formation, the Clippers boast one of the oldest but deepest squads in the league. Making a trade for James at this stage may not align with their team’s outlook, especially considering what they would have to give up to complete the move.
In this regard, the trade outlook for the Lakers’ superstar isn’t very promising.
The consensus has been that teams are more likely to show an interest in acquiring the 40-year-old in the event of a buyout. But with Luka Doncic and Rob Pelinka both displaying a keen interest in having James retire as a Laker, a move to the Clippers seems unlikely.
Instead, the team will look to James to be a key contributor in the upcoming season. With Doncic at the helm, the Purple and Gold will attempt to establish themselves as title contenders with their new and improved roster.
