LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are reaching a “second of reality” of their relationship this offseason, in keeping with Shams Charania of ESPN.
“LeBron James understands the Lakers are prioritizing the longer term…that actually facilities round Luka Doncic. And, he is aware of, they are going to go youthful at totally different factors. They’re actually prioritizing two 12 months contracts,” mentioned Charania.
James picked up his $52.6 million participant choice over the weekend. James and Wealthy Paul are reportedly supportive of the Lakers constructing round Doncic’s timeline.
On Monday, the Lakers misplaced Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets and signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year deal.
The Lakers want to have max wage area in 2027 the place they may probably signal Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic.
Charania added that James is evaluating his choices as he appears to compete for championships as his profession winds down.
“LeBron James is intently evaluating primarily how this goes with the Lakers and the place he would need his profession to be as he winds down. Whether or not he has one 12 months left, two years left, or three years left. What we’re seeing now’s primarily a second of reality between LeBron James and the Lakers,” mentioned Charania.
Charania provides that the Lakers are searching for a middle and wing depth in free company. The Lakers have been linked with Deandre Ayton.