No matter the state of the Los Angeles Lakers — enchanting or appalling — LeBron James won’t fail to make headlines. He’s a story magnet.
Last Thursday morning, James was thriving in his new low-key habitat.
This morning, he is thrust back to the top, his shoulders suddenly weighted down and all eyes training on him.
He takes one look to his right, there’s a South Bay Lakers star. A glance to his left, there’s a mop-up minutes star.
Before he thinks again, there’s coach Redick calling another timeout just to sit a player down next to him on the bench.
No Luka Doncic and no Austin Reaves. Just the oldest player in the NBA on the world’s most savagely examined franchise trying to save a Lakers season from further falling into total agony.
Fair or unfair, it’s the new reality.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
James perhaps felt the challenges were finally behind him. He first was hit with a delayed start to his season due to an offseason sciatica injury. Then he had to figure out how to fit in with his star teammates. Now he’s being asked to reclaim the keys to offense.
And now his future comes into an even bigger and hotter spotlight.
LeBron James to Be Dumped by L.A. for Milwaukee Bucks star?
Maybe the only man in basketball who has gone through more turbulence this season is Giannis Antetokounmpo, the disgruntled Bucks star who has been wanting to find a new home for quite a while.
Weirdly, Milwaukee neither wants him to play nor off the team. Huh.
The 41-year-old James is set to enter unrestricted free agency in less than two months. But the craze surrounding his next move could very possibly start in a matter of three weeks considering the current complexion of the Lakers.
There are plenty of scenarios regarding the four-time MVP’s future. Could he return to Cleveland? Finally go to New York, where glamor and spotlight have long been tied to his identity? Could he stay put in L.A.?
Does L.A. still even want him?
Maybe. But according to Bill Plaschke of the L.A. Times, even if James is willing to take far less money, the Lakers could have other plans.
“And no, LeBron James is not going to be happy either, trying to carry a team that seemingly isn’t trying,” Plaschke wrote. “So what? Do you really believe he is going to take remarkably less money to stay on the Lakers next season? Do you really believe the Lakers want him back when they will have the cap space to trade for a player like, um, Antetokounmpo?”
What Are the Odds Antetokounmpo Gets Moved to the Lakers?
Antetokounmpo, 31, is running in circles.
For years, he has seemingly made his intentions and goals clear to the Milwaukee front office before the start of each season. Nothing gets met. Antetokounmpo quietly finishes another season in mediocrity and boom, more trade scenarios clutter social media.
The two-time MVP is still under contract through next season. He has a player-option for the year after. Leaving Milwaukee would mean a trade. Coming to the Lakers would mean a direct trade or sign-and-trade of some sorts.
Could Rob Pelinka and the L.A. front office wheel and deal this summer?
As Plaschke notes, shaking hands with James means cap space to add Antetokounmpo. Who says no to a Big Three of Antetokounmpo, Doncic and Reaves, whom the Lakers are set to throw big money at this summer?
It certainly seems more likely Antetokounmpo joins the Lakers this summer than staying put in Milwaukee, so the thought of him in the purple and gold isn’t merely a pipe dream.
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