There’s a lot of conflicting information coming out regarding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. There have been rumors that both sides would like a trade, but agent Rich Paul has said that James never requested one.
It also doesn’t seem like the Lakers are eager to keep paying James big money after this season. The future Hall of Famer is already 40 years old, so he could retire any season, but it sounds like he’s got at least another two or three years left in the tank.
James already has the NBA’s scoring, to go along with a litany of other records. The only other real milestone that would help his legacy is winning more championships.
The problem is that it doesn’t seem he believes the Lakers can compete for a championship this season. James’ former teammate on the Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem, seems to agree with that notion and believes that the superstar needs to move on.
“I don’t give a damn who they bring to LA. That is not a championship roster right now with the LA Lakers,” Haslem said on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “If LeBron James wants to put himself in the championship situation, it has to be another opportunity out there that he needs to look for.”
Haslem Hints at Heat Fit
James is the oldest player in the NBA, but he was still named All-NBA Third Team for the third season in a row. He’s no longer the best player in the league, but there’s a real argument he’s still in the top 10.
One team that knows his greatness well is the Heat. He won two championships with the team in just four seasons. Haslem seemed to hint that Miami might be a better fit for him right now.
“I do know a place where he is welcomed, and he will always be welcomed,” Haslem added. “Just to put that out there.”
The problem with Haslem’s idea is that the Heat are far worse off than the Lakers right now. They don’t have a ton of talent on the roster. They’re a team that should be looking to rebuild rather than trying to make a run with a player like James. Plus, if they were to trade for the star forward, they’d likely have to give up All-Star center Bam Adebayo, which would make the roster around James even weaker.
Lakers Questioned for Wanting to Move on From James
James’ tenure with the Lakers hasn’t been perfect, but he has consistently played well and helped lead the team to a championship. He continues to play at a high level, but Los Angeles doesn’t seem keen on keeping him around.
The Lakers could be championship contenders this season with James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the roster. Fox Sports’ Nick Wright can’t understand why Los Angeles would consider moving on from James right now.
“I don’t know why the Lakers seem to be in a rush to get out of the LeBron James business,” Wright said on “First Things First.” “I don’t expect the Lakers to find a player better than LeBron James to replace LeBron James this year or next year.”
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