Luka Doncic arrived in Los Angeles ceremoniously. The Los Angeles Lakers even ended as the second seed. However, in the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, their roster imbalance became an evident weakness. For a second straight year, LeBron James and the Purple and Gold didn’t get past the first round. The 40-year-old is being mentioned because it’s his future that once again remains a big question.
After the series was lost, when asked about the roster, James only said “no comment,” referring to his close friend Anthony Davis’ trade during the deadline. But it was enough to understand that he wasn’t content with what was going on. With just a year or two remaining in his career, the question is does he see a bright future in LA?
Rob Pelinka is keen on signing a center. But James gambling on another move or not could have implications for his legacy. That makes one wonder what he will do with his $52.6 million player option. According to The Athletic, when asked about him potentially leaving LA, a source close to him “would not rule that possibility out”.
And if he does decide to test the waters for one last run, there’s one player he has publicly said he wants to play with. He resides with the Golden State Warriors and goes by the name Stephen Curry.
Of course, the financials will have to be worked out as post-Jimmy Butler, the Warriors have been very successful. However, aside from Curry, Draymond Green asked the Warriors to inquire about James during the trade deadline. Within the Warriors, LeBron James has great bonds and dynamics with some of the stars.
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
As for the NBA world, those against LeBron James might hit at the ‘superteam’ argument as even in Year 22, he remains vicious. But who wouldn’t love to see Stephen Curry and the Akron Hammer on the same team? It’s a wild dream that would have been considered futile a few years ago.
But right now, nothing can be ruled out. It seems even the Dallas Mavericks and Nico Harrison are longing to add a star. And with Kyrie Irving attending Game 5, that could also be a sign. LeBron James could entertain the idea of playing beside his two former teammates. But honestly, right now the chance ofhim staying seem level with leaving or even retiring.
As of right now, there’s only a few things within the Lakers’ control. But after witnessing their downfall, the team is willing to do it all.
How the Lakers can keep LeBron James home
Saying the Lakers struggled to defend the paint would be an understatement. For four games, the Timberwolves relied on their stars to get them through the series. However, when they noticed how weak the paint was their focus shifted. Until now, Rudy Gobert hadn’t scored even 10 points in the series and never attempted over six shots.
The day the Timberwolves decided to let him take the paint, he scored 27 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in Game 5 to eliminate the Lakers.
Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers’ first string center didn’t play a single minute because he didn’t have the skills to service against the highly physical side. Rob Pelinka recognizes it and he also knows LeBron James is hoping for vast changes. “I think LeBron’s going to have high expectations for the roster. And we’re going to do everything we can to meet those,” the Lakers GM noted.
In hindsight, there’s only one requirement to fulfill. The Lakers need a big man who can use his size and protect the paint. Several options such as Walker Kessler jump to mind. However, Pelinka isn’t keeping his mind closed.
“I think in terms of center traits, it would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, lob threat, and someone that could protect the interior defensively. I think those would be key. But there’s multiple different types of centers that can be very effective in the league. There’s also spread centers that can protect the rim. We’ll look at those as well,” he said about their options.
With a center piece like Luka Doncic also not committed for long term just yet, the Lakers have option but to go big it seems. A transformational move might take place. And if it does, maybe they could secure another season of LeBron James too.
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