As expected, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opted out of his deal for the upcoming season. This only means that he will be negotiating a contract extension with the Lakers. After all, it’s not as if the four-time NBA champ is going anywhere else after LA just drafted his son, Bronny.
The big question now, however, is the type of deal LeBron will demand from the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers News: LeBron James Willing to Take Pay Cut
LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, issued an official statement in behalf of his client, indicating that at the moment, James is “prioritizing a roster improvement.” The Klutch Sports CEO also said that LeBron is “adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
In this light, Paul revealed that James would be willing to give the Lakers a discount. This report comes via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“Paul said James would be willing to work with the Lakers on signing a deal below the maximum three-year, $162 million he is eligible for to open up the full $12.9 million midlevel exception to sign an ‘impact player.'” McMenamin wrote.
That’s a big IF, though.
LeBron Wants Klay Thompson, James Harden
McMenamin then went on to report that LeBron, apparently, already has a three-man wish-list:
“The type of player that James would be willing to make a financial sacrifice for would be an established veteran playmaker such as James Harden or Klay Thompson, or an established big man to play alongside Anthony Davis — such as Jonas Valančiūnas, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin reported.
All three players identified will be entering free agency and it now appears that the Lakers will make the necessary moves to sign one of them.
Accoring to Rich Paul, LeBron will seek the max deal with LA if they fail to sign any of these three players — or at least someone of the same caliber.
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