If the Lakers continue to perform like a top-5 team the rest of the season and playoffs, their goal next summer could be to add finishing touches to a championship team rather than conducting an extreme roster makeover.
The Lakers’ top-5 play the last 4 weeks has dramatically transformed what was supposed to be a ‘gap’ year in their post-sale championship pursuit into a surprising legitimate opportunity to possibly go deep into the playoffs. Over the last 4 weeks, JJ Redick has the Lakers playing like an elite top-5 NBA team on both ends of the court. In fact, they have played so well they now have the 3rd best record in the West and 5th best record in the NBA.
The biggest winners of the Lakers’ dramatic turnaround are JJ Redick, who’s suddenly a legitimate candidate for Coach of the Year, and LeBron James, who’s suddenly found his ideal Lakers’ futugre as a role player.
The job JJ has done with this flawed Lakers’ roster is totally deserving of Coach of the Year and LeBron’s not only accepting but fully embracing being the Big Three’s third option is the move that made it all work.
If the Lakers have a deep playoff run this season, they may have to use more of their $60 to $80 million in cap space next summer to re-sign Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard.
Besides cap space, the Lakers will also have $25 million in tradable contracts and 3 first round picks to possibly trade for a new starting 3&D small forward and/or a new starting rim protecting, floor stretching center.
Imagine a Lakers team next season that starts Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Peyton Watson, LeBron James, and Walker Kessler with backups Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes.
If he leaves he is going cheap to Spurs or OKC or a place to fit in and guide and WIN! If he were 31 there no question he’s an excellent player, without respect to money.
LeBron may have found a way to keep playing for another 2 or 3 years with the Lakers but at a discounted salary. Why move from LA when he can win more rings there and continue to enjoy SoCal life. LeBron’s not leaving LA.
I agree 100%. He doesn’t need $$ and Luka and Austin and Giannis will allow him 2 more years.