LeBron James To Take Less, Let Lakers Add $82 Million Star On Cheap Contract

LeBron James decided to opt out of his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and most NBA analysts believe he will sign a contract extension with the franchise. According to latest analysis, LeBron may take a cheaper contract to leave the Lakers enough money to work with. The storied franchise has to reshape the roster and add more experienced veterans to their roster. The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the roster and now they need to add experience to their game.

“With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport,” Chris Haynes reported on Saturday, June 29.

With LeBron James opting out to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is considering opening up a pathway for the team to obtain the full midlevel exception for the right targets, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/rzew2q2V9Q

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2024

LeBron gets unexpected contract offer from the Lakers, Pelinka to bring DeRozan to LA

The Lakers have shown interest in several players, including Chicago Bulls DeMar DeRozan. He almost joined the franchise on multiple occasions, but negotiations never led to anything serious. Sam Quinn from CBS Sports discussed DeRozan’s background and the chance to see him on Rob Pelinka’s roster.

“DeMar DeRozan grew up in Los Angeles. He nearly joined the Lakers in 2021 before they landed on Russell Westbrook,” Quinn wrote on Saturday. “The Bulls traded for Josh Giddey, whom they plan to entrust the offense to moving forward, and that doesn’t leave DeRozan an obvious role anymore, especially since Coby White isn’t going anywhere and Zach LaVine is looking increasingly untradable.”

DeRozan may not agree to sign a cheaper deal. He is coming off a three-year deal worth $82. Yes, he will be 35 next season, but he averaged 24 points, 5.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this past season.

The Lakers are calculating their freedom to sign another star. They have a few trade assets to use and their latest moves will definitely launch them into the right direction.