LeBron James has by no means taken a pay reduce throughout his time in Los Angeles and it was anticipated that he would goal for a brand new max contract with the Lakers this summer time. With the Lakers ready to pay it, this all felt inevitable, however all of a sudden, James willingness to take lower than a max contract opens up a full mid-level exception for the Lakers and plenty of potentialities with it.
Whereas this creates new alternatives for the Lakers, you continue to want LeBron on board to make it occur, so it needs to be for a participant he finds price it. Whereas authentic reporting centered on Klay Thompson, James Harden and Jonas Valančiūnas because the three major names, on Monday’s “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Brian Windhorst of ESPN mentioned one other potential title.
LeBron and Wealthy Paul met with the Lakers on this subject final week and so they agreed, from what I’m instructed, on a brief listing of gamers that LeBron would be ok with taking much less cash to get on the Lakers and, clearly, one in all them was Klay Thompson…I feel there’s greater than three [players on the list]. I feel DeMar DeRozan is on that listing as nicely and there could also be one other one or so.
We’ve heard Thompson’s title all weekend linked to the Lakers and it was reported that James referred to as Klay in the beginning of free company.
Nevertheless, DeMar DeRozan is an individual we haven’t heard linked to the Lakers this summer time.
The Compton native and, beforehand, Chicago Bull would offer an offensive surge no present Laker moreover LeBron and Anthony Davis can present. He averaged 24 factors, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists final yr in Chicago, and whereas he’s an growing older star, that form of manufacturing is difficult to return by.
Nobody has wished to be a Laker extra within the NBA than DeRozan throughout his time within the league. A number of occasions, the 2 events have come near uniting however that has but to occur. Might this summer time lastly see DeRozan get his want?
DeRozan turns into an more and more intriguing choice as an unrestricted free agent and with the market rapidly dwindling. If LeBron approves, this transfer would enhance the Lakers.
Is it higher than buying Thompson? Most likely not. Defensively he doubtless provides you somewhat bit extra, Klay’s capturing is so elite that it’s important to assume that’s the best-case state of affairs for Los Angeles.
Nonetheless, if Klay goes elsewhere, it’s good to listen to the Lakers have multiple choice for enhancing this summer time.
You possibly can comply with Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.