The Los Angeles Lakers are still fighting for their playoff lives. They have taken a 1-0 lead over the Houston Rockets despite not having Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves healthy. LeBron James has emerged as the lead offensive option.
James had 19 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists in that first game against the Rockets. He has shown that he is still capable of turning back the clock when he absolutely needs to. After the playoffs are finished, his future with the team is uncertain.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report gave a bold prediction regarding James’ future with the Lakers once this season is over.
LeBron James Given Bold Prediction on Future with the Lakers
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James drives the ball in a game against the Rockets. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Favale believes that James will either re-sign with the Lakers or sign with the Warriors once this year is over.
“Signing with the Warriors (who could have the non-taxpayer mid-level) or re-up with the Lakers (who can pay him more than anyone) would be the surest indicator yet he’s determined to hit that quarter-century mark. Yeah, he might deny it. Sources divulged to (Dan) Woike and (Sam) Amick that LeBron himself has said he doesn’t need the pomp and circumstance of a farewell tour,” Favale wrote.
James clearly still wants to compete for championships. He has started to slow down when it comes to his health, however. He missed the first few weeks of the season with a sciatica injury. That will only get worse as he continues to age.
The Lakers have already started building for the future without James. They signed Doncic to a massive contract extension last summer. They hope to bring back Reaves on another contract after this year, as well. Money might be hard to come by for James in LA.
LeBron James Might Have to Take a Pay Cut to Return to Los Angeles
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts to making a shot in a game against the Rockets. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Los Angeles will have a cap crunch if they bring Reaves back on a max deal. That means that James would have to take a massive pay cut if he wants to return to the Lakers. That would be the only way that it would make sense for LA to bring him back.
The Lakers will not move into the second apron of the luxury tax in order to re-sign a 41-year-old player, no matter how good James still is. That is why it seems likely he looks to play out the final years of his NBA career elsewhere. Another team would likely need to be willing to take on Bronny, as well.
All of this will be settled after the year is finished. James is trying his best to hold that off for as long as possible. He will have to carry the team until Doncic and Reaves are healthy enough to return, and it’s unclear when that will be.
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