LeBron James and Anthony Davis are one of the best duos in the game but they cannot do it on their own. This summer, while the Lakers are considering their options, the veteran duo has made it clear that they’d prefer if the team went out and acquired a third star with the remaining assets they have left.
“James has the leverage that comes with his forthcoming free agency, as he has until Saturday to decide whether to pick up his $51.4 million player option or opt-out and sign a new deal. Davis, meanwhile, has the organizational capital that comes with being a 31-year-old, nine-time All-Star who is signed through the 2027-28 season,” wrote Sam Amick of The Athletic. “And if the franchise cornerstones had their way, league sources say, the Lakers would prove their desire to win this week by going all-in for another elite player.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching a critical offseason and depending on what they do from now through training camp this fall could determine their future for years to come. After finishing 7th in the West and losing in the first round, the Lakers proved this past season that they are not good enough to win the title as presently constructed. Now, the two faces of the team want to see something done about it.
At 39 years old, LeBron James needs more help than ever before for his team to keep up with rising competition in the West. As he enters the final act of his career, the Lakers will need to add more talent around the edges if they want to offset his natural decline.
With big-name stars like Klay Tompson, Paul George, and others potentially on the table, the Lakers will have a number of names to consider as their next elite talent but Rob Pelinka seems content to beef up the supporting cast.
LeBron James Is Keeping The Lakers In The Dark
The entire plan for the Lakers depends on LeBron. It’s no secret that they’re already preparing a $160 million offer to keep him through 2027 but it remains to be seen if he’ll sign. Without him, everything falls apart for the franchise, and his upcoming free agency looms as a major threat to dismantle everything they’ve built since he joined.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, they have no idea which way James is leaning. The 4x NBA champion is keeping his options open and he hasn’t told anyone of his intentions this summer.
“League sources say the 39-year-old has not given the Lakers any indication about what he will do, even if the widely held expectation around the league is that he will either return on his player option or sign a new deal,” wrote Amick.
It’s hard to imagine that LeBron will opt to swap jerseys again this late into his career but it wouldn’t be out of character for the NBA legend considering he’s changed teams three times already over the past 20 years. LeBron has always been unapologetic about his loyalties and when it comes to things like winning and family, those will always be his top priorities.
While it’s likely that James will stay where he’s at, he could be tempted to leave if the Lakers do not make any meaningful moves over the next few months. Their activity in the trade market and free agency will no doubt be a major factor in his decision and the Lakers are facing a lot of pressure to get something done.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
