LeBron James has just had a complicated new season with the Lakers, and he will no doubt be keen to rectifier shooting next season, especially if Kyrie Irving arrives in the coming days… But according to a specialist, the King’s presence in California should not be taken for granted!
When LeBron James settled down in Los Angeles in 2018, everyone thought the Lakers would be the last step in this great career. It must be said that the King was already relatively old and that this signing looked more like an extra-sporting decision than anything else. In the City of Angels, the King was able to develop many businesses, which he is now growing with other superstars.
And then with the sporting success he has known since his arrival and the ambition of his leaders, he has no real reason to leave. He landed a 4th ring in the bubble, thus getting a little closer to Michael Jordan in the all-time hierarchy, and if Rob Pelinka manages to materialize the many rumors sending Kyrie Irving to the Purple and Goldthe No. 6 could well lift a final Larry O’Brien trophy.
LeBron James soon to return to Cleveland?!
But according to Brian Windhorst, ESPN journalist very close to the James clan, everything would not be so simple internally. Indeed, the King has until August to sign a possible extension with the Angelinos, and if he refuses, it will obviously be time to think about his next destination. What if he decides to return home for a last lap of honor before retirement?
It’s a deal no one talks about, but it could have a huge impact on next season. If LeBron decides not to extend his contract with the Lakers, he will still play and try to get the most out of his squad, but during the season it will also be necessary to calculate the salary cap available to the Cavaliers during the Free Agency.
For Brian Windhorst, LeBron James will be a Laker next season, that’s for sure, and he’ll do his best on the field to carry his team as far as possible in the playoffs… But if he doesn’t extend in the coming weeks , it will be a sign that he intends to end his career in Cleveland, his city, or in another franchise with Bronny.
It must be said that the Cavaliers look like the team of the future with a very talented Darius Garland / Evan Mobley / Jarrett Allen trio, and the King’s experience could be greatly beneficial in learning at the very highest level. He likes to share his knowledge and develop young talents, and he could do it in the best conditions in the event of a return to the franchise of his debut. Summer will be crucial for him!
For Brian Windhorst the situation is binary regarding the future of LeBron James: either he extends in the coming weeks and ends his career with the Lakers, or he waits for the end of his contract to return to Ohio and live a last adventure at him.
