After the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the National Basketball Association playoffs, attention towards the California club did not disappear. Furthermore, Lakers leader LeBron James immediately found himself in the spotlight of journalists who knew what the fans wanted. The possible resignation of Darwin Ham as coach of the team, which occurred later, worried the fans much less. The King himself understood how much the public was interested and, as befits one of the league’s top stars, he skillfully fueled the intrigue, throwing out general phrases about wanting to return to his family.
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The Lakers, predictably, fired their head coach. Who will lead the “real” gang now?
And since LeBron remained silent, journalists began to throw out theories. James’ current contract with Los Angeles includes an option to opt out next offseason. And according to respected observer and insider Brian Windhorst, Bron intends to use him to become a free agent. According to The Athletic, Los Angeles will do everything possible to keep their main star, and have already prepared an offer for the 39-year-old forward for a maximum contract extension of three years, so the King’s bank account should be replenished. with 164 million dollars.
The Athletic itself reported that the relationship between LeBron and team owner Jeanie Buss is now better than ever. The Lakers are expected to be aggressive in an attempt to strengthen their roster and bring in a new star for their leader. Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has been mentioned as a possible recruit, for example. James himself, as you know, would not refuse reinforcement in the person of his own son. Bron has said more than once that he would like to play on the same team as Bronny. Seeing father and son together on the ground would be really beautiful! But a source soon indicated that this is not a priority for the star striker at the moment.
Bronny’s NCAA results:
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Information about the willingness to invite James Jr. to the Lakers is contradictory. Some say the team will take this step to keep LeBron. Others argue that the “lake people” will not do this. One way or another, Bronny was invited to the NBA Draft Combine, which took place from May 12 to 19 in Chicago. Last summer, LeBron’s son suffered cardiac arrest. To play in the NBA he had to undergo a test to obtain approval from the league commission. This would not have been possible without an invitation to the draft combine.
With or without a child, LeBron will have to decide. According to most experts, James will remain with the Lakers. The King likes Los Angeles and the city loves him too. Before Bron’s transfer to the Californian team, it could be heard that the player wanted to be closer to Hollywood to build a career as an actor. In fact, LeBron has starred in several movies, but it seems that filming is now a secondary matter for him. However, James doesn’t really forget about cinema. Instead of acting, the basketball player switched to producing, which was successful. Currently, his IMDB page lists 70 film projects that he has worked on as a producer. Most of them appeared after LeBron moved to Los Angeles.
Of course, James deserves every dollar of his contract. The player shows no signs of aging and continues to pose a real threat to his opponents. But with these Lakers it will hardly be possible to have a title. The current playoffs have clearly demonstrated this. Los Angeles is no stranger to Denver. Minnesota has become a real force. There’s Oklahoma and Dallas, Houston and San Antonio with Vembanyama gaining experience. It will hardly be possible to fight these groups without strengthening them.
The Lakers are screwed. Plug them into an outlet. It’s all over. They are in the same conference as Minnesota, Dallas, Oklahoma and Vembanyama. Guys, you’re done. If they’re not on one of these four West teams, they’re screwed,” Bill Simmons previously said.
Motivation for LeBron?
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At one point, Dennis Rodman, speaking about the reason for the collapse of the most powerful Chicago in the second half of the 90s, mentioned the issue of money: “The only reason we didn’t take the fourth consecutive title was that Michael Jordan He said, “I want many millions of dollars.” But they didn’t want to pay him. So he left, I left, Scottie Pippen left and Phil Jackson left. We were all waiting for Michael. This is how our journey ended.” LeBron could listen to Rodman’s words and consider making a concession. And he is no stranger to remembering his experience with the Miami Heat. A salary reduction would allow the team to find suitable options that could significantly strengthen the roster to compete with all the titans of the West.
James now has three options: accept the Lakers’ three-year max extension, exercise the one-year option or decline the option before June 29 to enter the free agent market. Selecting the third option will open up many new options for LeBron. It is noteworthy that by then the NBA draft will have already taken place and the King will be able to focus on it. If we ignore the possibility of a father playing on the same team as his son, the list of clubs a basketball star can go to will become shorter.
The topic of James’ future now does not concern only the laziest. Experts, observers and different betting houses give their opinion. The most likely option among betting houses is that LeBron remains with the Lakers. Eventually, Bron moved his entire family to Los Angeles. This city was created for luxury, which the King’s loved ones are already accustomed to and will not want to give up. LeBron’s words after the playoff loss to the Nuggets hinted that his loved ones really do come first: “The only thing I think about is spending time with my family. “Now it’s about family.”
Well, what if it’s not the Lakers?
Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James vs. Philadelphia, 2023/2024 season
Photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Increasingly, James is courted to go to Philadelphia. Not only will it be much easier in the East, but also in the playoffs the team with LeBron, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will have a good chance of success. “If James’ priority is winning in the near future, he should sign with the Philadelphia 76ers,” said a lengthy CBS Sports read on LeBron’s next steps. Still, Embiid is injury-prone and players on the Pennsylvania club don’t always cope. Will James want to carry the entire load at time X?
Cleveland Knights
LeBron James (left) and Donovan Mitchell (right), 2023/2024 season
Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
The second probable option is different between bookmakers. Some believe that, if not Los Angeles, most likely Cleveland, where the King began his professional career. Which he left, but came back to win the title. And he won it. Whatever the outcome of James’ return to his homeland, it would be interesting for everyone to follow. And the Cavaliers now represent a certain force. This year, the team won the NBA playoff series without LeBron for the first time since the 1992-1993 season, but yesterday the Ohio Club decided to fire head coach JB Bickerstaff. Going back to where it all began… isn’t this the story of a Hollywood movie?
Miami Heat
LeBron James (left) and Bam Adebayo (right), 2023/2024 season
Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The option mentioned is Miami, where LeBron won his first two titles. Jimmy Butler’s injury showed that the Heat still do not have a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The King could really help his old club. However, this situation has a major problem. As an argument against it, the relationship between the basketball player and the team president, Pat Riley, is cited. As you know, the respected official was sensitive to the star’s departure from him in 2014. Some Heat players even later admitted that Riley forbade them from being friends with James.
warriors of the golden state
Draymond Green (left) and LeBron James (right), 2023/2024 season
Photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
In mid-February, Adrian Wojnarowski shook the media space. A reliable source reported that the Golden State Warriors attempted to trade LeBron during the trade deadline. The Warriors tried to convince James to consider joining the team to form a pair with point guard Stephen Curry, with whom the Lakers leader is very comfortable and with whom they have been getting along well for a long time. And in the case of Golden State, it wouldn’t be necessary to move very far and LeBron could stay in sunny California. Then, as we know, the negotiations led nowhere. But who knows, maybe the parties are still communicating substantially.
The New York Knicks
LeBron James (left) and Jaylen Brunson (right), 2023/2024 season
Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images
There are also rumors of a possible option with the New York Knicks. In early February, James himself caused a stir when he posted an emoji in the shape of the Statue of Liberty on his social networks. And after the game between Los Angeles and the Knicks, he gave an interview, throwing a towel with the rival’s symbols on him. Moving to New York would be a big deal and James himself would feel comfortable in this luxurious city. It is true that not everyone believes in the Big Apple option, and even those who are considering it do not have any special illusions.
Windhorst himself, mentioned above, explained James’ move with the towel this way: “LeBron knew and realized that he was wearing a towel with the symbols of the New York Knicks.” Why would he bother with the Knicks? Because he used the Knicks as a tool to pressure the Lakers. And this can be quite logical. Hourglass and all kinds of emojis. James loves to give clues. One way or another, LeBron is staying silent for now. The player is weighing his options, anticipating Los Angeles’ moves and, perhaps, waiting for the NBA draft.
Well, we’ll wait with James too. Agree, this intrigue has its own appeal.
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