LeBron James mentioned he needed to provide the Lakers one thing again by taking near $3 million much less in his deal to maintain the staff from the wage cap’s second apron.
“Like once you’re in a relationship — like I have been married for some time now. I have been with my spouse since highschool — there’s sure issues that typically it’s a must to do,” James mentioned Sunday. “…You must perceive in a relationship, to ensure that a relationship to work … each side need to work.
“Me having the ability to be in a scenario the place I can defend the franchise underneath the second apron, understanding this new factor could be very laborious on a variety of groups so far as them attempting to get higher and regardless of the case could also be. I am, I have been in a relationship with the Lakers occurring seven years. I am completely OK with [taking a pay cut].”
By staying underneath the second apron, the Lakers are in a position to be extra versatile within the methods they will enhance the roster, perhaps most significantly giving the franchise the flexibility to commerce a number of gamers for one participant, although they nonetheless can not take again more cash than they ship out in a deal.
James praised his expertise with Crew USA on the second day of coaching camp.
“For us to be on the identical staff, it is like surreal,” James mentioned . “Like anytime I see a clip, like if I am going on social media and I see a clip of us strolling into the constructing … I used to be like, man, that is simply loopy.”
Learn extra: Lakers’ stagnant offseason does not fear Anthony Davis
“Us” on this case is a roster that’s rivaling the unique Dream Crew, with James joined by Olympic veterans Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis whereas bridging issues with youthful American stars equivalent to Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton.
“We do not step on their toes and nothing of that nature, however we simply hope that we proceed to set a regular for them of what excellence is all about as a result of they’re already wonderful,” James mentioned. “And see if they will simply carry it on and be nice so long as they wish to be too.
“So I hope we simply we’re simply setting the requirements for them.”
Join our weekly e-newsletter on all issues Lakers.
This story initially appeared in Los Angeles Occasions.