Saw this on the timeline, so I thought that I might as well share!
Some highlights from the piece:
* “Early indications point toward the 20-time All-Star opting out of his contract in order to create flexibility by becoming an unrestricted free agent for what could be the final time in his career, league sources told ClutchPoints. Should LeBron opt out of his contract, the Lakers are not prepared to give up on the league’s all-time scorer, as they hope to keep James in Los Angeles until he is ready to retire.”
* “While the 21-year veteran has backed off slightly on the narrative of playing alongside his son before he retires when speaking with reporters, James truly wants to play on the same team as Bronny, sources said.”
* “The New Orleans Pelicans do reserve the rights to own the Lakers’ 17th overall selection this season, but the belief amongst league circles is that the Pelicans will decline this option for 2025 instead.”
* “The idea of moving on from Ham is another influence on James’ decision this offseason, league sources confirmed. Executive Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss are expected to consult with LeBron, among others, before making a final decision on whether Ham will return for his third season with the Lakers. The overwhelming belief across league circles is that the Lakers will fire Ham and look to replace him with a coach who can bring out the championship potential of this roster by being the leading voice in the locker room.”
* ”Leading up to the start of Team USA training camp in July, LeBron is not only expected to opt out of his contract with the Lakers for the 2024-25 season but actively lay out all of his options moving forward, sources said, with Curry and Durant potentially playing a role in what James decides to do.”
* “The possibility of teaming up with the Warriors is something Curry will undoubtedly talk with James about leading up to free agency and the start of Team USA training camp, sources said. With LeBron expected to seriously give thought to other opportunities entering what could be his final free agency, Durant is another voice James will listen to, given the Suns’ need for help in their quest for a championship.”
* “Winning a third championship would do a lot for Durant’s legacy, and he is going to do what it takes to make this happen. Whether that means he remains in Phoenix or jumps ship to another team is a whole separate conversation.”
* “Could LeBron leave Los Angeles and head to the desert to create the best quartet this league has ever seen? On the flip side of things, would Durant entertain the idea of requesting a trade from the Suns in order to go to the Lakers?” 👀
* “Even though there is a strong belief that he will ultimately remain with the Lakers, the notion that James is going to give thought to what Curry and Durant have to say to him this offseason is very telling as to what he is thinking. Still, the overarching belief is that James will simply hear out the ideas presented to him rather than seriously consider leaving the Lakers, league sources said. LeBron declining to engage in the trade conversations involving him and the Warriors at the trade deadline gave Buss and the Lakers more confidence that their superstar is not leaving anytime soon.”
* “No matter what happens with everything else, the Lakers remain committed to winning, with James being the face of the franchise.”
by tsesarevichalexei
33 Comments
He had a chance to push for GS in February and said no, why would he do it now? If he wants to convince his other old dudes to join us, good luck lol that’ll be nearly impossible to figure out. Phoenix and GS aren’t about to send a rival one of their best players.
He’s just going to take a massive paycheck and then let the rest of the chips fall where they may.
Not saying that it’s gonna happen, but can you imagine LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Kevin Durant on the same team? 😮💨
D’Lo, Rui, Gabe and multiple good first-round picks + a swap is a solid package for a *36-year old* KD.
D’Lo is also one of Book’s best friends, so he might be willing to opt-in to make this particular trade work. 🤷♂️
If you need to trade AD and all the available FRP to make Curry + KD + Bron happen, would you do it?
Someone explain how the suns can add another 50 million dollar salary while in the second apron already? No way is anyone dumb enough to take Beal.
How does lebron even get to Phoenix? He is a free agent and they are a 2nd apron team.
He’s not going anywhere. This is just leverage to use against the FO for roster building/coach hiring. It doesn’t make any kind of sense for him to leave the Lakers and Jeanie and Rob have said they would do anything for Lebron to retire a Laker.
Come here KD.
Lebron, AD, KD can work.
If he wants to win another ring in LA he needs to take a MASSIVE paycut. Otherwise, sign somewhere else because we can’t compete with him earning 50 million a year.
LeBron wants his last deal now, that’s why he’s opting out. He can also pressure the FO to make winning moves if he’s a free agent
I wouldn’t blame Lebron for jumping ship to either the warriors or the suns. Playing for an owner not afraid to spend money is probably very appealing to Bron.
I’m calling BS on this. All 3 teams are above the first apron and can’t receive more salary than they take in so it’s basically impossible they team up.
Bron ain’t going no where he loves it here in LA. With that being said KD and Curry feel free to come here and be a Laker.
KD on the lakers would be jizz-worthy
ClutchPoints, a super known and reliable source.
By opting out, Lebron can re-sign a new contract with the Lakers and negotiate a no trade clause in the deal. It also helps him put leverage on the organization to make moves to improve the team. Hes 100% opting out, but I think it’s a very small chance he leaves the Lakers.
Tbh I don’t see Curry or LeBron leaving. KD on the other hand I totally see moving and could see him bitching his way to us
I’m praying to all that is good that the knicks get booker. Phoenix blowing it up would be amazing cause I think lebron could convince kd and our 3 picks are still a goldmine for phoenix
we all know KD’s going to the timberwolves 🙂 the next chapter.
The suns just got swept
Ah man KD to the Lakers…… 😫😫😫😫 Can’t get this hard lol. Would absolutely love the fit. Lebron with the playmaking, KD as the primary scorer and AD with elite defense and cleaning the glasses. Add a perimeter defender and the Lakers will instantly be a championship team. Hypothetical scenario but just wish it happens lol
Welcome to the off season. Lets just sit back and watch all of the rumors swirl. In the end Lebron will sign a 3 year deal with the Lakers bc him and his family love LA.
Warriors trade Chris Paul, Kuminga, Moody and picks for KD and Lebron signs with Cleveland. We get 2017 all over again
KD will request a buy out lol
Suns have no future. If KD forced a trade, Reaves, young guys like Max/JHS and first rounder (with matching salary) wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for them.
Realistically though someone else (OKC) should be willing to give them more draft picks than we’d be willing to. KD isn’t worth gutting our team for.
Man there is going to be some top tier shit talking this year at the Olympics
this would be one hell of a last ride. Win on the exit = GOAT status
lol they’re gonna fire Ham and then LeBron is gonna leave.
Lol I doubt LeBron would be influenced by either of them. He’s going to stay a Laker.
Gotta remember with our boy, LBJ. He loves theatre Opting out is a way of flirting with other teams but telling the Lakers that he wants money, and some control of operations, LBJ.jr plus shooting.
KD to lakers would be amazing
Nice, hopefully sign and trade
KD come HERE
IF he opts out, it will mostly likely be to restructure his contract and get more or less money. I’m hoping he takes less so we have more cap room to get quality players. He’s not leaving LA
KD TO LAKERS WILL ACTUALLY BREAK THE NBA