The Los Angeles Lakers got their man.
On Saturday, 20-time All-Star LeBron James declined his $51.4 million player option for 2024-25 with the intent of re-signing. As of now, James even appears to be willing to sign for less than the max in order for the Lakers to use the $12.9 million non-taxpayers MLE, maximizing his chances of winning another championship before his storied career ends. With that being said, as James is only expected to play two or three more years, this could be his final contract.
Update: Reran the numbers and used Bronny’s official projection ($1,160,543). LA will be at around $182.3M in salary if LeBron re-signs for the $49.9M max. So he’d have to take a $17(ish) million discount for LA to use $12.9M NTMLE and his 2024-25 salary would begin at ~$33M. https://t.co/36Pu1VzSE3
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) June 29, 2024
“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,” reports ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
While $12.9 million isn’t chump change, most of the players that they’re hoping will sign for MLE can get a more lucrative contract elsewhere. In essence, they would have to be willing to take a pay cut as well. Unfortunately for James and the Lakers, these players don’t have nearly as much incentive to do so.
James Harden
James Harden may be the most unrealistic target for the Lakers.
To start, there’s mutual interest between Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers, who the former MVP angled a trade to last offseason. Although the Clippers already had a resurgent Russell Westbrook, Harden’s game has aged more gracefully because it’s based on skill more than athleticism. Yet, it all worked out in the end, as Westbrook’s Crash Bandicoot play style allowed him to be a second unit spark plug.
With the Clippers, Harden has also staved off criticisms about his decline or character. Indeed, he has a more tranquil environment in L.A. than he had with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, or Houston Rockets. So, would he leave a place he’s grown comfortable, where he’s valued, and who could pay him substantially more than the Lakers to team up with James? A team that will have just as many All-Stars as the Clippers if Harden re-signs?
Even if James whispered sweet nothings in Harden’s ear at Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Pop Out’ concert, it’s possible, but improbable.
Klay Thompson
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
With that being said, if Klay Thompson wants to get back at the Golden State Warriors for not prioritizing him in free agency, joining the Lakers would be like sticking an ice pick in their heart. Though the Lakers and Warriors don’t have a true rivalry, James is the closest thing Golden State has had to an archenemy.
Thompson will likely get better offers from the Sixers, Orlando Magic, or Oklahoma City Thunder. However, those teams don’t give him a chance for payback. Judging by how terse Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors front office is right now, that might be a difference-maker.
Thompson does seem petty enough to want to be the source of Golden State’s ire. Yet, his happy-go-lucky personality doesn’t quite mesh with the idea of him being out for blood.
Jonas Valanciunas
Of the Lakers’ top free agent targets, Jonas Valanciunas is the most feasible addition.
The 32-year-old is unlikely to be fielding offers much higher than the non-taxpayers MLE at this point in his career. A 12-year NBA veteran, Valanciunas has long since proven himself to be a skilled pivot. Like many European centers, he’s a reliable low-post scorer. Indeed, he’s averaged at least 12.0 points per game every season since 2014-15.
At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Valanciunas is also a handful on the boards. He ranks fifth among active players in total rebounding rate (20.6 percent) and is particularly effective on the defensive glass. He’s a so-so defender whose lack of foot speed leaves him vulnerable when guarding out in space.
The main question is whether Valanciunas believes he would fit more with another team. For example, the Thunder need size to complement their hybrid big man as well. However, as L.A. will likely play a slower pace than OKC, the Thunder don’t appear to be a better match.
The Paul George Factor
According to Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, “if the Lakers are unable to entice a player of that ilk to come to L.A. for the MLE, James will seek the max.”
The hardball doesn’t stop there.
James would like to have his deal done before Team USA’s training camp for the Paris Olympics begins next week. As a result, players like Harden and Thompson would be asked to make complicated decisions in a short time. Even if they were considering signing with the Lakers, the process might seem a bit rushed.
Paul George’s decision to become a free agent adds another layer of complexity.
George and Thompson have both drawn interest from the Sixers and Orlando Magic. So, whoever George spurns could make a harder charge at Thompson. For example, if George signs with the Magic, Philadelphia could give Thompson an offer he can’t refuse. As the Sixers have also struck out on OG Anunoby, this is even more likely.
Yet, if George does eventually re-sign with the Clippers, Harden has even more of a reason to do the same. Ultimately, everyone is in a holding pattern until George makes a decision. George doesn’t have to rush to make that decision though.
