To the chagrin, but not the shock, of more than a few Lakers fans, LeBron James will opt in to his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season. However, James’ decision to opt-in may not be indicative that he is ten toes down for the theif purple and gold and this is hinted at by LeBron’s agent and Klutch Sports Director of Misinformation and Propaganda, Rich Paul.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania adds that per a conversation with Paul that LeBron is “monitoring very closely” the moves the Lakers may make instead
It does seem that LeBron’s words and actions are in diametrical opposition. James’ decision to exercise his player option, leaves the Lakers with just $5.65 million at their disposal in free agency. However, Dorian Finney-Smith’s decision to decline his $15.4 million player option and not re-sign could allow the Lakers to have the most of their $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The Lakers are not in the financial position to make the moves needed to keep pace with what other teams in the Western Conference are doing, much less surpass them. This means there will not be an abundance of big moves in free agency for James and his camp to keep an eye on. The trade market will have to be their vehicle to make substantial upgrades to the roster.
If Lebron and his camp deem the Lakers’ work in the offseason, per the evaluation that Paul alluded to in his comments, if retirement is not on the table, the only option is to request a trade. Navigating a potential LeBron James trade market will be a yeoman’s task, as despite his production, his salary, age, and what it would take to get him and the baggage that accompanies him will make teams balk at the prospect of bringing him in. However, as we know, Paul, James, and the Klutch Sports machine are not above torpedoing a team’s season and future to achieve their ends, meaning some as-of-yet unknown team and their fans will have the LeBron James experience foisted upon them.
