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With reports of LeBron James willing to take a pay cut on his next deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, Brook Lopez has surfaced as a name to watch as the team navigates roster upgrades.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported the possibility shortly after the opening of the NBA’s free agency.
“Context on LeBron James’ potential pay-cut: His exact next deal with the Lakers seems dependent on what talent Los Angeles can add over coming days. In addition to Klay Thompson, sources told @YahooSports the Lakers have an eye on trading for Brook Lopez,” Fischer tweeted on June 30.
After declining his $51 million player option for next season, James reportedly told Los Angeles that he’s open to helping them add an impact player.
If they structure his next deal properly, they could open up the full mid-level exception, valued at $12.9 million.
James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, released a statement to ESPN on the star’s decision to try and aid the Lakers’ front office.
“He is prioritizing a roster improvement,”Paul told Dave MecMenamin of ESPN on June 29. “He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
Lopez is coming off of his 16th career season, and his sixth as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.6 assists in 79 regular-season appearances.
Other Targets Falling Off the Board
Amid the reporting of James willingness to take a pay cut, McMenamin reported a list of players the Lakers’ star was hoping they’d target.
“The type of player that James would be willing to make a financial sacrifice for would be an established veteran playmaker such as James Harden or Klay Thompson, or an established big man to play alongside Anthony Davis such as Jonas Valančiūnas, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote on June 29.
Since, two of three have signed new deals elsewhere.
Shams Charania reported James Harden will return to the LA Clippers on a two-year, $70 million deal.
https://twotter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1807532075542835525
“James Harden plans to sign a two-year, $70 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Charania tweeted on June 30. “Harden’s agents – Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports – have been working with Clippers officials to finalize new deal.”
And ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Jonas Valancunias is signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards.
“Free agent center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed on a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski tweeted.
Klay Thompson remains unsigned, and Marc Stein reported that the Lakers are still pursuing the five-time All-Star.
“The Mavericks obviously must beat out the Lakers to get Klay Thompson’s commitment in addition to working out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors as the Lakers continue to chase Thompson, too,” Stein tweeted on June 30.
LeBron Recruiting Klay Thompson
In a June 30 appearance on Sports Center, Wojnarowski revealed a phone call between James and Thompson at the start of free agency.
“I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened,” Wojnarowski said on June 30. “These conversations, this negotiation will go into tomorrow. There probably will not be a resolution tonight.”
Thompson played 77 games for Golden State last season, averaging 17.9 points per game on 38% shooting from behind the arc.
LeBron and Los Angeles will continue weighing all it’s options as free agency unfolds. But the longer they wait the less they’ll have.
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