LeBron James just opted into the final year of his contract, though did so with a mandate for Los Angeles Lakers leadership — build a team capable of competing in the Western Conference right now.
Given the presence of Luka Doncic on the roster, and the multiyear extension he is likely to sign in early August, Los Angeles is likely to begin the process by finding a suitable center on both ends of the floor.
Analysts stuck the Lakers’ roster with the incomplete and rather inappropriate moniker of “small” last season, largely because of the lack of size and heft and effectiveness at the center position. Los Angeles was actually a lengthy and physical team at the guard and forward spots with the likes of James, Doncic, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith all playing big minutes.
But the team lacked rim protection, which is something that Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez can give it. The question is what can the Lakers give him in return?
Los Angeles has some wiggle room below the first apron ($4 million) and the second apron ($16 million), plus a boatload of expiring contracts and some meaningful first-round draft assets to trade. But Lopez is a free agent, so a trade is out of the question.
The former NBA champion (2021) and first-team All-NBA defender (2023) is coming off of a two-year, $48 million contract. He’s not getting that kind of deal this summer at the age of 37, but he’s worth far more than a veteran’s minimum — particularly because Milwaukee will probably try to sign him back in the interest of keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, and because Lopez also fits what the Golden State Warriors need in a big man acquisition this offseason.
NBA Insider Advises Lakers to Sign Brook Lopez, Trade for Robert Williams III
GettyRobert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks on Saturday, June 28, suggested that the Lakers pursue a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for Robert Williams III, a rangy rim-protector and, when healthy, the kind of lob threat with whom Doncic is looking to team up.
However, Marks also suggested in the next line that Los Angeles try to ink Lopez for the taxpayer midlevel exception, which is a little less than 24% of the $24 million salary he earned from the Bucks last season.
“[The Lakers should] build depth at center, starting with trading [Gabe] Vincent, Jordan Goodwin and a second-round pick to Portland for Robert Williams III,” Marks wrote. “[Also] sign Lopez to a one-year, $5.7 million contract.”
Marks’ suggestion is a great strategy, as both Williams and Lopez can protect the rim. Williams can rim-run on offense with Doncic, while Lopez can offer floor spacing with his exceptional long-range shooting.
The problems, however, are that Williams has played a total of 61 games over the past three seasons combined due to various injury concerns, while Lopez will likely have to turn down more money elsewhere in favor of a reunion with Los Angeles because of some factor (or factors) other than the financial: title contention, location, etc.
LeBron James Clear With Lakers About Summer Expectations
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles is going to have to find bargains and take risks this offseason if the franchise hopes to placate James, who relayed his message to the front office by way of his agent, Rich Paul.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday. “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count.”
It is far easier for James to make that demand than for the Lakers to execute it, but with a rich and powerful new ownership group at the helm, Los Angeles is likely to give it a real try.
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