As a potential free agent this July, LeBron James has the potential to join any team he wants in a matter of months. But according to ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, staying with the Lakers is the only move that makes sense given where he’s at in this point of his career.
“Staying in L.A. is [LeBron’s] best chance at winning a title. We have three of four more years of this Anthony Davis that we’re been seeing this year,” said Perkins. “The Lakers are eye candy, LeBron James is eye candy, Anthony Davis is eye candy. This offseason, there’s gonna be a movie that’s gonna happen and then you start to fill in the gaps. Imagine if he gets another superstar-caliber player in this locker room.”
At 39 years old, the end is much closer for James than the beginning and he’s already hinted at retirement in the recent past. But as LeBron continues to play at an All-Star level, he doesn’t want to waste his final years on a team with no chance to win.
The Lakers, even in their current state, are the best place for LeBron to accomplish his goals both in the NBA and once he’s retired from the game completely. He has thrived in the spotlight since moving to Los Angeles back in 2018 and it would be foolish to leave now when they might be at the turning point of another breakthrough.
While this campaign has not gone according to plan for the franchise, help may be on the way sooner than later and the Lakers may be much better-equipped to contend for a title by this time next year. The key to success, besides good health, will be what the Lakers do between now and October and the latest intel suggests they’ve got big plans.
LeBron James’ Future Is Uncertain Amid Looming Free Agency
LeBron James has not expressed interest in leaving the Lakers but it hasn’t stopped all the noise across the league. When it comes to James, there was a lot of smoke this season about him potentially being traded to salvage the Lakers’ future. Eventually, Rich Paul himself had to come out and deny all the allegations.
Even so, LeBron is facing a serious crossroads in his career. He has a $51 million extension next season that he could use to determine his basketball fate. If LeBron wants to follow his son, Bronny, then it should be easy enough to figure out a way to link up wherever he gets drafted.
If LeBron goes for the championship or just breaks it off with the Lakers, there will be a number of teams looming. In the West, the Golden State Warriors are arguably the biggest suitors for James and their quest to pair LeBron with Stephen Curry is no secret at this point.
LeBron could also return back home to the Cavaliers. If LeBron opts for a more poetic ending, this may be the way to go — especially since the Cavaliers are currently second in the East and trending up.
Ultimately, only LeBron knows what the biggest motivating factor is at this stage of his career. But if he wants to win, he may be better off staying with the Lakers. He’s already got a championship with Anthony Davis and the Lakers apparently have reinforcements on the way. James would be smart to stick around and see it through, especially since the Lakers have a knack for staying relevant longer than anybody else.
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