LeBron James Makes a Crucial Lakers Decision That Gets Blasted
LeBron James is no longer anticipated to show the same consideration for the Los Angeles Lakers, who gave them some financial flexibility last offseason by agreeing to a two-year, $104 million deal. The decision is also drawing criticism because the Lakers are now in a desperate attempt to restructure their squad after another disappointing postseason […] The post LeBron James Makes a Crucial Lakers Decision That Gets Blasted appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.
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LeBron James is no longer anticipated to show the same consideration for the Los Angeles Lakers, who gave them some financial flexibility last offseason by agreeing to a two-year, $104 million deal.
The decision is also drawing criticism because the Lakers are now in a desperate attempt to restructure their squad after another disappointing postseason loss.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports recently reported that James is anticipated to choose to opt into the last year of his contract, which will bring in $52.6 million.
Some detractors think James might make it easier for the club to contend by leaving money on the table, but no one blames a 39-year-old superstar for taking what he’s earned.
NBA Analyst Sam Quinn blasts LeBron James’ contract
The Lakers’ high-stakes offseason acquisition of Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade adds to the stress around James’ contract decision.
Quinn penned: “While it is not clear why, at this juncture, James has placed less of a priority on improving the Lakers roster, the end result is a more difficult path to improvement for the Lakers this offseason,”
“By far the simplest [way to stay below the apron], though, would be a sacrifice on James’ part,”
Quinn noted that there is a clear distinction between keeping below and going over that barrier. The Lakers could use the entire mid-level exception, which is worth $14.1 million, and they could also keep the bi-annual exception, which is worth $5.1 million, if they are able to stay below the first apron. Additionally, they would be freer to sign players through sign-and-trade agreements.
However, that flexibility disappears if they are larger than the apron. They would instead lose access to important exclusions completely and be restricted to the smaller $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exemption.
The post LeBron James Makes a Crucial Lakers Decision That Gets Blasted appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.
