Lakers Seeking ‘Right Deal’ As LeBron Awaits $162 Million Decision

LeBron James opted out of his deal, but he is expected to sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers front office targeted at least three star players this offseason. LeBron was willing to take a cheaper contract to extend their options, but none of the target is actually making their way to LA. In other words, LeBron will probably grab another mass contract.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is not really concerned about the lack of options. Moreover, he announced a more aggressive approach. His team may not have James Harden or Klay Thompson, but Pelinka has a plan.

“I think we’re gonna always be aggressive trying to make roster upgrades and we’ll be relentless trying to look at what we can do,” Pelinka said on July 2. “As you pointed out, we have 14 guys under guaranteed contract with one space and this is the season of being mindful of all the things we can approach to improve the roster. So we’re in the midst of that as we speak. That will continue in the coming days and it often spills into Vegas where all the GMs meet and gather and other deals get done. But we’ll stay aggressive.”

LA put first-round picks on the table

The Lakers won’t take a step back when it comes to pulling out a trade move. Adding some first-round picks? Absolutely.

“I think if the right deal comes and we have to put in draft picks, we will,” Pelinka said. “I think we’ve talked about it before, we’re now in the apron world. We’ve seen contending teams or championship-level teams have to lose players. That’s a result of the apron world we’re living in. So does it make trades more challenging? Yes. Do it make good trades impossible? No. So we’ll continue to pursue upgrades to our roster.”

LeBron can still sign a max deal with the Lakers

The Lakers drafted Bronny, meaning LeBron will probably re-sign with the team. The four-time NBA champion is set to sign a three-year deal worth $612 million. LA didn’t get any of the players he preferred and Pelinka will probably offer the max deal.

“If LA cannot find an impact player to sign for the full MLE that would be created by James taking a pay cut, James will seek the max,” Dave McMenamin reported. “There can only be so much patience on James’ part: Team USA camp begins a week from today in Las Vegas and he needs a deal before taking the court.”