LeBron James is leaving the Lakers.
Okay, let’s pump the brakes. He’s currently under contract with Los Angeles through the 2023 season. Anthony Davis, who he recruited to the Lakers for years, is still his teammate.
With Davis, they won a championship together despite the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. They made the playoffs last year, and the team still has a chance to make a third straight appearance with 24 games remaining.
So, how is Lebron leaving a team that he stated he wanted to retire with?
The Team Is Terrible
A trio of Russell Westbrook, Davis, and LeBron sounds dangerous, right? Westbrook is known to be a triple-double machine, and Davis plays phenomenal defense every year.
Expectations were not met, as the three have struggled to stay on the court together and build chemistry. LeBron has missed 16 games this season, while Davis has been out for 21 games.
The rest of the roster was heavily criticized before the season started. Signing guys like Carmelo Anthony, Trevor Ariza, and Dwight Howard makes this team a dangerous one… if we were in 2013.
Based on their record, this team is not built to win a championship this year or next. No moves were made before the trade deadline, and they have not signed anyone from the buyout market. Even if they did decide to explore who’s available, there’s not a player that will magically help this team contend.
Next season, it’s not looking good either. If Westbrook and Davis remain on the team, the Lakers will only have about $19 million in cap space (considering the players on cap holds are let go). That’s not a lot of money to work with if you’re Rob Pelinka.
Staying on the topic, players with guaranteed contracts for next year include Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn: two guys that either haven’t stepped up or appeared in a game.
In a way, LeBron is at fault for this mess. He was a big part of trading for Westbrook, and this decision has yet to pay dividends. But, he’s not the official general manager. Rob Pelinka needs to step up and make some changes.
Looking at the team plus the competition they have to contend within the Western Conference, LeBron could demand a release next year and… head back to Cleveland?
The Cleveland Cavaliers
This past weekend, LeBron James was asked about a potential return to the Cavs. It was a good question, considering the Lakers’ struggles and Cleveland’s surprising record this season.
He didn’t rule it out, stating “the door’s not closed on it”. You can’t blame him for returning to his hometown team in the future.
First, the Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference at 35-23. They have young talent across the board, from Darius Garland to Evan Mobley. JB Bickerstaff has been a phenomenal head coach who could be up for Coach of the Year this season.
He has left Cleveland twice throughout his career, but he did help them win a championship in 2016. He likely will stay this time. The third time’s the charm, right?
Plus, it’s not like the Cavs wouldn’t want The King on their squad. Imagine a lineup of Collin Sexton, Garland, James, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. That is a formidable lineup that definitely strikes fear into opponents.
Unlike the Lakers, the Cavaliers actually have a first-round pick in 2024. This matters because there’s a young player eligible for the draft in 2024 who LeBron is interested in playing with.
LeBron James + Bronny = Father-Son Duo
If LeBron doesn’t leave the Lakers after this season or next, then he’s leaving them in 2024. He was asked about his last year in the NBA during All-Star Weekend.
It should be noted that after LeBron made this comment, all 30 NBA teams flocked to Sierra Canyon High School to watch his son play.
Just kidding. But, it’s clear that if you draft Bronny, LeBron is coming along for one last ride.
From a family standpoint, it’s heartwarming that he wants to do everything and anything it takes to play with his son. More importantly, from a basketball side, the publicity that comes with having LeBron on your team is going to be outstanding for ticket sales.
If the Cavs are able to draft Bronny and bring LeBron back home, that would be a story-book ending to an outstanding career.
The King will be 40 years old once he plays in 2024. He could start to decline and begin to slow down. But, if we know anything about LeBron, it’s that he continues to make plays this late into his career.
RT IF LEBRON IS THE MVP ?? pic.twitter.com/mWVHzUSOVi
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) February 17, 2022
So, Now What LeBron James?
LeBron James will remain a Laker this season. As mentioned, the trade deadline has passed and it’s very unlikely he won’t ask for a release this late into the year. He’s having an MVP-caliber season, and he could push them into the playoffs.
The Lakers could entice LeBron to stay until 2024. They could make some moves this offseason and make things work. If they could unload Russell Westbrook’s contract and/or trade Anthony Davis, it will open up a lot of cap space to sign some great players (hi, Bradley Beal).
But, what if no moves are made and the Lakers continue to be mediocre heading into next season? There’s going to be trouble in Los Angeles.
Watch out, Rob Pelinka. There are 29 other teams that will do whatever it takes to bring LeBron James to their team.
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