Following the 2024 NBA Draft, LeBron James is putting pressure on his team to make a decision before it is too late. According to NBA source Chris Haynes, the King would give the Lakers one more week to make some moves before demanding the maximum.
“LeBron is giving FO one week,” Haynes added. “The Lakers have held exploratory conversations with Portland regarding Grant. “I believe they will make a significant move.”
This summer, the Lakers had great intentions to surround LeBron and Davis with a significantly improved supporting group. Picking young players like Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the draft was meant to serve as a warm-up for free agency, when the Lakers hoped to land a big-name star.
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The Lakers hoped to make a run at four-time champion Klay Thompson, whose championship experience and perimeter shooting would have been an excellent complement to the star tandem. The Lakers tried everything to get him on a long-term deal, but he was convinced by the Mavericks, who recently signed him to a three-year, $50 million contract.
The Lakers might also have pursued Paul George, but it’s too late now that he’s signed to terms with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Lakers have already struck out several times this postseason, and LeBron James is waiting to see what happens next before making a decision on his deal.
James, 39, had a $51 million player option, but he declined to become a free agent. Last season, James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54%, demonstrating that he is still an elite-level talent deserving of the maximum.
However, after 21 seasons, LeBron is no longer the same player he once was, and the Lakers need all the support they can get to compensate for his slow decline. If he is willing to accept a salary cut, the Lakers will be able to add another player to the roster, potentially changing their whole Western Conference strategy.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, James’ compensation decrease is totally conditional. As previously said, the four-time champion will only accept less than the maximum salary if the Lakers can acquire an established role player to their team. They have a week to complete it, or LeBron will simply grab as much money as possible in order to play with his son.
While the Lakers have yet to make a meaningful move, there is still time for them to do something before it’s all over. With players like Jerami Grant and DeMar DeRozan apparently available to the highest bidder, it’s just a matter of time until they make the big purchase that everyone has been waiting for.
If they fail to accomplish anything, things may become uncomfortable behind the scenes as GM Rob Pelinka faces increasing pressure to make roster changes. Clearly, LeBron wants to win now at whatever cost, and he’s doing his best to give the Lakers the opportunity to make a significant acquisition.
