The LeBron James–Lakers saga continues to fuel discussion, and former NBA champion Vernon Maxwell believes the narrative has been flipped.
Appearing on “The Right Time with Bomani Jones,” Maxwell argued that the Lakers’ decision to give Austin Reaves a massive contract extension , 4 years, $185 million, signaled to LeBron James that the franchise was preparing for a future without him.
“The Lakers made this mf make the decision, they gave Austin Reaves all that goddamn money… when they did that move right there, that’s when his a** knew he wasn’t going to be in LA anymore.”
Maxwell’s comments suggest the Lakers’ roster-building decisions — rather than LeBron simply choosing to leave — played a major role in shaping the future of the franchise.
The Lakers investing heavily in Reaves could be viewed as a commitment to their next era, while LeBron, now in the later stages of his career, has , allegedly, remained focused on competing for championships.
Where LeBron James will suit up for his 24th season has yet to be determined, it will certainly not be in a Laker uniform
