LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Considering the impact this decision has had on the team’s cap structure and its ability to construct a winning roster, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas had a lot to say about James’ decision on “Gil’s Arena”.
While criticizing the superstar’s decision to opt into his contract and avoid free agency, Arenas said:
“There’s $56 million you’re worth. You are a free agent. Meaning, you can go anywhere on the planet. You don’t have to get traded to nowhere. You [James], right now, can sign for $5 million and go play with Cleveland. You can literally take the Mid-Level to go to OKC to win a ring.”
“If you really want to win that fifth ring, it could be respectable because you took a $55 million, or whatever, pay cut to win… If ring five is that important to him, this summer is one of those things that, ‘I’m going to be Karl Malone. With my greatness, go to another team with pennies on the dollar.'”
Arenas’ take on the situation is quite interesting. The superstar’s contributions to the team last season were impressive, having averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, even at 40 years old.
With James agreeing to play with the Lakers for another season, he has effectively taken up a sizable portion of their cap space. This decision has left the Purple and Gold with very little room to acquire new talent to help build a competitive roster.
In addition to the challenges that arise from James’ decision, the forward expressed that he would request a trade if the front office fails to form a team that can compete for the title. This displays his intentions of being part of a championship-caliber team next season.
As things stand, the forward has garnered some interest from teams around the league, with wild trade speculations also linking him with potential title contenders.
But it is also important to note that recent reports suggest that the Lakers view James as an expiring contract, suggesting that they also intend to part ways with him.
Since James issued his ultimatum to the Lakers’ front office, the Purple and Gold have made few meaningful moves to improve their roster strength. With the addition of Deandre Ayton emerging as the only noteworthy signing for the team, it would appear that the Lakers organization is biding its time until James officially requests a trade.
