The uncertain future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers remains perhaps the biggest question in the NBA, as recently, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the rumors linking him back to the Cleveland Cavaliers have started to grow, but he would only likely return on the minimum contract.
Since then, differing reports have emerged on whether James would be willing to take a pay cut to put himself in a winning situation, whether that be on the Lakers, Cavaliers, or another team.
With that, a former teammate of James’, Iman Shumpert, dropped his take on how he thinks the 41-year-old sees winning compared to making the most amount of money possible.
But that could mean taking a pay cut 😳
Iman Shumpert says Bron only cares about winning — the money will come regardless 🤑
Lou Williams says the situation isn’t the same as when LeBron took one in Miami 🙅♂️
“I think LeBron, if (he) can make it make sense of what you’re going to go do, LeBron will take a pay cut,” Shumpert said on the Run It Back show. “LeBron likes winning, he’s going to make the money.”
James is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers, set to be a free agent this summer. Despite being the oldest player in the league, he still carries a high value, and teams like the Lakers and Cavaliers have expressed interest in him on their rosters next season.
Shumpert, Run It Back Show On LeBron Taking A Pay Cut
The Run It Back hosts began their conversation about James potentially taking a pay cut to either stay with the Lakers or join the Cavaliers based on Windhorst’s recent comments made on ESPN Cleveland radio.
“He would only come at a discount. The only way the Cavs could add him would be to get him to play at either the minimum, or do some things to shave some salary to open the mid-level exception,” Windhorst said. “If he’s able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I think it’s 99%.”
Windy notes that LeBron would have to probably accept a minimum contract in Cleveland.
While Shumpert said that he thinks James prioritizes winning over earnings, his other co-host, Lou Williams, claimed the opposite was true.
“(I’ve) never seen LeBron take no pay cut in my life,” Williams said. “(His contract with the Miami Heat) was a baby cut…I don’t know if he’d take a pay cut in this scenario.”
James did take a minor pay cut during his time with the Heat back in the early 2010s, but since then, he has been one of the highest earners in the NBA during his second stint with the Cavaliers, and now with the Lakers.
LeBron’s Lakers Future, Cavaliers Return Rumors
Cleveland has the highest payroll in the NBA, meaning that with its current roster, adding James would almost certainly have to come with a pay cut, whether it be with a minimum contract or something closer to the mid-level exception.
“From the Cavs’ perspective, it’s simple,” Windhorst added. “They say to LeBron, ‘If you would like to play for us, we’d love to have you, this is what we have to offer. We can offer you (a minimum or mid-level contract), and being in Cleveland.‘”
As for the Lakers, while the team has said they are open to having James return next season and retire in Purple and Gold, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards. Multiple insiders, along with team owner Jeanie Buss, have signaled that this is James’s last season in Los Angeles, as he ‘hasn’t indicated‘ any return to the team after this year.
Additionally, the Lakers look ready to be building for the future, as seen with their massive expected cap space this summer, and lack of moves at the latest trade deadline.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Los Angeles is looking to add pieces around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as that duo is what they are focused on going forward, rather than James.
Until James announces his next plans, his future both with the Lakers and a potential Cavaliers return remains uncertain. Yet still, him returning or going to a title-contending team feels unlikely if he isn’t willing to take a massive pay cut, as he would enter his 24th season in the NBA.
Ex-LeBron Teammate Drops Bold ‘Pay Cut’ Prediction Amid Lakers Exit Rumors