There have been some conflicting reports when it comes to whether LeBron James would like to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or even prefers to do so. One thing is certain: The Lakers do have one advantage over other teams because they will have substantial salary cap space this summer, and they can therefore offer him a lot more money than the other teams James could be interested in.
However, there is a good chance they will ask him to take a major pay cut after paying him $52.6 million this season. It is anyone’s guess whether James would be willing to do so while still making a lot more than the mid-level exception in what could be his final NBA season.
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Brian Windhorst said on Wednesday’s episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast that James wants the team to present him with its plan to improve the roster when making an offer this offseason (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).
“The LeBron side, from what I am told, would like the Lakers to come and say, ‘LeBron, here’s our plan for you. Here’s what we’re offering.’ And if they’re offering less than the max, here’s why: ‘Because we’re going to use this cap space to sign these players, and this is where you slot in.’”
If James were to take enough of a pay cut, it could enable Los Angeles to not only re-sign several of its other players who are about to become free agents but also perhaps secure one or two upgrades in free agency. The consensus is that L.A. needs some type of upgrade at the center position, as well as multiple athletic two-way players at the wing and guard spots.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game during the regular season this year. In the playoffs, with Luka Doncic out due to a hamstring strain, James upped his production to 23.2 points, 6.7 boards and 7.3 assists per game. Even at age 41, he remains a superstar-level player who should be able to be a major contributor to a championship team next season.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Windhorst: LeBron James wants Lakers to present him plan for roster
