Lakers inch closer to paying LeBron James $162 million max contract after losing Klay Thompson

LeBron James has suggested that he will take a pay cut, but only if the right star is brought in.

Lakers inch closer to paying LeBron James $162 million max contract after losing Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James

No other team started this off-season with as much uncertainty as the Los Angeles Lakers. The first was having a lucky draft. Then heading into free agency, they did not expect LeBron James to offer a possibility of a pay cut – something that could help them bring in certain free agents. Now that many of them have signed with different teams, it is possible that James will sign the max contract unless Rob Pelinka manages to sign DeMar DeRozan.

The first free agent on their list to fall was Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks. While analyzing this ESPN’s Brian Windhorst had a few words to say on the Hoop Collective Podcast.

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I think there's more than three. I think DeMar DeRozan is on that list as well. And there may be another one or so.
Brian Windhorst said

This suggests that DeMar DeRozan is also on the list of players who LeBron James would like to be playing beside him. Bringing him in will mean James will take the pay cut he has offered. However, he might be the last of the free agents the Los Angeles Lakers can realistically target in their quest for an NBA title. If this move fails, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history will end up taking a 3-year $162 million max contract.

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DeMar DeRozan is a complementary piece to the way LeBron James and his teammates play. A player who can create his own shot and can also defend the perimeter. Two traits they have been looking for in any player who can come in.

The future of the Lakers with LeBron James on a max salary

The Los Angeles Lakers have some important decisions to make before LeBron James leaves for Team USA practice. But with the situation seemingly pointing towards a max contract for the 39-year-old, the Lakers might have only one choice going forward. That is to develop their existing players and work towards maximizing their abilities.

James taking on a max contract means they will not be able to pursue free agents in the open market next season. But with how the Lakers are planning for life after James’ retirement, it is also unlikely that they will use draft picks to trade for another star. Rather, Max Christie‘s extension suggests it will be a develop-to-compete mindset.

But the real question in all of this is whether King James can compete for another NBA title. If they do not land another star this time, the answer will come about as the Los Angeles Lakers develop over time.

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