The meeting between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers last week was apparently not just about contract talks. Rather, the future strategy of the Lakers should have been discussed, head coach Darvin Ham also explained his plans for the new Lakers offense.
This comes from a report by Chris Haynes (Yahoo Sports) out. Last week, the media heard about a “productive” meeting between LeBron, who is allowed to negotiate an early contract extension in LA, his agent Rich Paul, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and Lakers coach Ham.
According to Haynes, however, most of the hour-long meeting was not about the 37-year-old’s new working paper, but rather about the strategic direction of the franchise in order to avoid disappointment like in the previous season in the future. James made it clear to those responsible for the Lakers how important cohesion and competitiveness are. He missed both last season.
But his goal is still clear: winning a championship. Ham is said to have emphasized that the team should be held accountable and that they want to create an “atmosphere of selflessness”. The new man on the sidelines therefore explained that the defensive intensity of the Lakers had to increase.
On the other side of the court, the offense should apparently run more through Anthony Davis. The team is “encouraged” by the big man’s progress this offseason after playing just 40 games last season due to injury concerns. Those responsible are optimistic that AD will be able to carry more of the burden next season. At the same time, Ham is hoping for an improvement in Russell Westbrook’s three-pointer quota.
LeBron James: Retirement with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Meanwhile, Pelinka is said to have demanded patience with regard to further squad moves by the Lakers. LA has been linked to Kyrie Irving time and time again in recent weeks, and there has also been speculation about a Westbrook trade and interest in Buddy Hield and Myles Turner. However, Pelinka is said to be reluctant to offer the Lakers first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 in trade talks.
At the same time, Pelinka made it clear to his superstar that he hoped James would end his career in the Lakers jersey. In order to provide LeBron with a title contender, he would tap “every possible resource”. LeBron is unlikely to stay in LA until the end of his career, however, as he is keen to play alongside his son, who could be drafted in the 2024 draft. For now, he can extend his contract, which expires in 2023, for a maximum of two more years and $97.1 million.
