Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is willing to take a paycut if it would help them make a significant upgrade.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, James is “hopeful” they could land five-time All-Star Klay Thompson, a Los Angeles native.
“As we’ve been reporting for 24-plus hours: Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors looks increasingly imminent … with LeBron James hopeful, per league sources today, that the Lakers can mount a bid to challenge Dallas,” Stein tweeted on X, formerly Twitter, on June 29, shortly after news leaked out that the Golden State Warriors are preparing to lose Thompson.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that James opted out of his $51.4 million player option to give the Lakers the flexibility to add an impact player.
“He is prioritizing a roster improvement. He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster,” Paul told ESPN, as McMenamin tweeted on X.
If James signs a deal $16 million less below the maximum three-year, $162 million he is eligible for would open up the full $12.9 million midlevel exception for the Lakers.
The Mavericks have opened up their full midlevel exception after dumping Tim Hardaway Jr.’s remaining $16.1 million salary into the Detroit Pistons’ salary cap in exchange for Quentin Grimes, who is still on his rookie deal.
Like Heavy.com’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy.com
The post LeBron James ‘Hopeful’ Lakers Can Add 5-time NBA All-Star: Report appeared first on Heavy.com.