The Los Angeles Lakers are out of the playoffs. After being swept by the Thunder, the offseason has arrived earlier than they were hoping for. With Luka Doncic missing the entire postseason, they didn’t have much of a shot to advance.
There are several big decisions that Los Angeles has to make. There is a potential for Austin Reaves to become a free agent. LeBron James is a free agent. Several other bench players are free agents, as well. James is the one who is receiving the most attention, though.
As he approaches the end of his career, James is now being urged to leave Los Angeles for his final act.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James argues with a referee. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
LeBron James Urged to Leave the Lakers
Several writers from The Athletic believe that James is better off leaving Los Angeles. A lot of them believe that he should return to Cleveland, which is where it all began.
“While there are many places where James’ career could end, there is only one place where it should end: Cleveland…Playing for a real contender, in the city where it all started and in the region where he was born and raised, would be the perfect finishing touch, the cherry on the sundae that is among sports’ all-time great careers,” writes John Hollinger.
“No one would appreciate a LeBron farewell tour more than those who were there when it started. A perfect ending to a brilliant career,” wrote Doug Haller.
James leaving Los Angeles has been rumored for quite a while. He was the third option on this Lakers team, behind both Doncic and Reaves. At this point in his career, that is where he is most effective. However, is that version of the Lakers good enough to win a championship?
It doesn’t look like it right now. Doncic’s postseason health has been a question for the past two years. James will only miss more games as he ages, as well. The Lakers might want James to move on so that they can fully build around Doncic for the future.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during a game. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Los Angeles has Many Questions to Answer This Offseason
Apart from James’ future, LA has many other questions to answer with the roster. They will likely try to re-sign Reaves, but what does that contract look like? Do the Lakers bring back Rui Hachimura after his blazing-hot shooting during the playoffs?
Improving the frontcourt at large should also be something they look at. While the Lakers would love to be able to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, that seems highly unlikely at this point. They just don’t have the assets required to land him. That means they need to go elsewhere.
Los Angeles could have as much as $50 million in cap space this summer. Using that space wisely will determine whether or not they can close the gap that the Thunder and the Spurs have on every other team in the Western Conference.
Lakers’ LeBron James Urged to Leave Los Angeles for Final Act