Stephen A. Smith Bats For LeBron James’ Return to Lakers After Austin Reaves Deal

LeBron James' future remains unclear as Los Angeles Lakers continue to build contender for next season.

Stephen A. Smith Bats For LeBron James’ Return to Lakers After Austin Reaves Deal

LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Stephen A. Smith (Image via FirstSportz)

Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have secured Austin Reaves to a max contract, it is time for them to help LeBron James make a decision about his future with them.

The 41-year-old has made it clear that he wants to play for a contender. He has also clarified that he has proved that he is worth another big contract.

The King did not specify whether he is looking for another $50 million deal or if he will not resign with the Lakers. That means the pressure is on GM Rob Pelinka to deliver.

His agent has claimed that the league’s all-time leading scorer has multiple contenders lining up. After the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat, there are rumors that the franchise could convince one of its greatest-ever players to return.

If he does, it will be on the veteran minimum, as the Heat simply does not have the cap space. Other than them, the Cavaliers are continuously being linked, and so are the Golden State Warriors. On this note, Stephen A. Smith said this on his namesake show.

The Lakers ain’t winning anything, unless they keep LeBron James. The Lakers don’t have a soul shivering in their boots. Not when the cornerstone of your franchise are Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves… They can’t stop a cold. And the only way this works is if you find a way to keep LeBron James… He stays ready.

Stephen A. Smith said

The ESPN analyst made it clear that, keeping in mind his beef with James, he would not have said this if he did not think that the four-time champion deserved it. Smith believes that without LeBron James, the Lakers do not have a chance.

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NFL great believes LeBron James will head to Miami

With LeBron James’ future still up in the air, the Austin Reaves max contract has raised the possibility of the league’s oldest player returning to Miami. At least that is what former NFL star Chad Johnson believes will happen.

I told you we got one more thing up our sleeve. Let it play out… Bron back to the Heat!… Don’t forget about Klay… We’ll see Bron in a minute, back down in Miami. Hey Klay, holla at your boy when you touch down!

Chad Johnson said

Even though his Nightcap colleagues, Shannon Sharpe and Joe Johnson, were not ready to believe it, Johnson reminded them that he was right about his predictions, especially with the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Heat.

Then, when Sharpe raised the past conflict with Pat Riley over cookies, Johnson mentioned that the Godfather’s recent interaction with LeBron James proves their differences no longer exist. That is why he believes that the Akron native could go back to where he won his first two championships.

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LeBron James’ future could be in the Lakers’ hands

Apart from the Miami Heat, it is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been linked the most with LeBron James. After they left him teary-eyed, and the Lakers’ top brass were unhappy with his attitude, many believe a return to his hometown team is on the cards.

Cavaliers' tribute brought LeBron James to tears
Cavaliers’ tribute brought LeBron James to tears (Image via LeBron Wire/X)

Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs, but if your pathway to paying LeBron the money is to trade Jarrett Allen for him, the Lakers would KILL for Jarrett Allen. KILL for him. All right? They would do that deal in 17-tenths of a second.

Brian Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland

The longtime analyst believes that this trade could suit everyone involved. Not only will the Lakers get the big man they desire, but the Cavaliers will be able to get the four-time league MVP for whatever salary he wants. But for this to happen, Brian Windorst made it clear that James has to sign off on this.

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