LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

YES ….. when it’s LeBron James who again played at an All NBA level last year and gives us an incredible pairing with Luka and legit Big 3 when you add AR. And who, since he wasn’t extended …. is now in a “career contract year” for Him to perform with all the leverage on Lakers side.

 

No.

 

If you want a solid puncher’s chance at a ring “this” year it is. No one wants the season “punted”. And like every other team, even with an above average chance if one of the strongest rosters, or puncher’s chance …. it all depends on the luck of health.

 

I guess It's time to consider retirement

 

So, he’s butthurt then?

 

Hey congrats on the cease fire …. hope it sticks!

 

Father Time is undefeated

 

If what Trevor was reporting is accurate might be at least the New Year. Margin of error has shrunk but with reasonable health still a playoff team. Get team chemistry rolling and mid-season LeBron can come back as the sixth man. Sounds like a magical run to a championship, or possibly a disaster...lol.

 

It’s not about the regular season- it’s about the ability for his body to not be injured come playoffs. He broke down last season and this one hasn’t even begun and he’s out. I just think it’s ridiculous to expect a guy with his miles and age to be even your third best in player on a Chip Squad. That is why I don’t think he’s worth the money- not because he can’t play great when he’s healthy.
It ain’t personal- it’s just that Father Time is undefeated and even when he does make it back, there’s a high probability something else will break or strain and have him out by the playoffs.

 

The only thing I would say to any of this, is that everyone gets injured - all the time. Lebron has actually held up better than lots of players 10-15 years younger than him that we’d want rather than him.

He has probably a better chance of being healthy come playoffs time than Butler, Curry, AD, KD, Dame - heck even Giannis hasn’t been properly healthy in 3-4 years at the playoffs.

 

Yeah, there's no way I'd give him max money next season. That just isn't smart.

See you in December/January, LeBron.

 

Don’t know if there was confusion but my stance was he’s worth it this year for the punchers chance while we can still pair him with Luka and hope for the best. I agree NO on next season.

 

What would you have done differently? Not re-sign him 2 years ago and have AD and AR lead the team?
I'm very curious on what would be your alternative world where we don't pay Bron the max

 

i'm just glad there's no PO on next year's contract.

 

I completely disagree. The more miles you put on a body running up and down the hardwood , multiplied by the years of the player has to equate to a higher probability of injury.

 

if he made 7m per like horford, i wouldn't worry as much.

whatever, it is what it is. we're going to have to survive long stretches minus lebron this year, so let's learn how.

 

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1977004735627448400

The nerve to get paid max dollars, get injured because you're obviously old playing a young man's game, and then 'monitor' the situation as if you're in control still is why my admiration for LeBron declines every year.

If there's no respect from LeBron at that end, the Lakers should start entertaining offers themselves and start thinking about moving LeBron by midseason... Two can play that game.

Honestly would not be opposed to a LeBron for Butler + Podziemski trade.

Still fits the timeline for the Lakers where Butler is still a top 25 player, meshes well with Luka since he can play on/off-ball, plays good defense, and has two years remaining so the Lakers can still have cap for 2027.

Podziemski is a very good young talent.

Get rid of LeBron if he's gonna be playing these behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

 

You're right, we had no other option.