LeBron James and the Lakers have had trouble producing enough wins during the last few seasons. Will the King decide to become a free agent next season?
There would not be an NBA offseason if fans did not have the pleasure of engaging in a LeBron James conversation. For years, enthusiasts, analysts and spectators have witnessed the greatness that follows the career of the King from Akron, Ohio.
Since joining the league in 2003, James has captured the association’s attention. With another opportunity to change venues in his historic career, many are wondering if James will make another move towards obtaining his fifth championship ring.
Championships matter to LeBron James
Championships are an important barometer in professional sports and LeBron understands this more than anyone. Throughout his career, James has demonstrated that he is willing to do whatever it takes to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
After seven years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the All-Pro forward decided that he could reach his first championship by relocating to South Beach. Chemistry with future Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade helped the duo win two rings—the first of James’ career.
As time progressed, the decision to relocate became relevant again. Talents like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland appealed to the King’s appetite, eventually leading to his next destination change with hopes of obtaining another championship. Despite reuniting with his hometown team, the urge to compete for another ring caused King James to explore other options.
Following a short three-year run, the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to bring the game’s best player on board.
LeBron’s early success with the Lakers is a thing of the past
Adding the league’s best player to the roster helped the Lakers find their groove after experiencing consecutive disappointing seasons. When news of LeBron’s newest destination was released to the league, other players began to consider joining his pursuit. One of those players was Anthony Davis–a dynamic big man who also dreamed of obtaining a ring.
The 2019-20 season showed how dominant the Lakers could become while playing behind their newest lob threat duo. At the end of the season, James and Davis averaged more than 25 points per game. As competition shifted to the bubble due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Lakers continued to assert their dominance.
At the end of the 2020 Playoffs, LeBron and Davis were NBA champions. Hungry for another ring, both players decided to make Los Angeles their new home as the team added new assets with hopes of repeating their success.
Will LeBron see enough value in the Lakers roster to stay another year?
Finding the same success the team experienced a few seasons ago has been easier said than done. After struggling to find similar results in the 2020-21 season, Los Angeles’ front office decided to search for players that would help the team. Former All-Star Russell Westbrook was one of the additions that front office members had confidence in, but his acquisition did more harm than good. When the analyst compared the production on the court last season, it was apparent that there was a disconnect in the on-court chemistry.
LeBron James has continued to produce despite failing to reach the big dance. His 30.3 points per game in 2021-22 were five more than his average in the previous season. While LeBron continues to get better with time, his desire to have superior role players around him has grown as well. The lack of production from Westbrook last season has caused concerns in California that could dictate the lineup of the Lakers in the upcoming years.
LeBron’s decision to remain a Laker will depend on their success in the upcoming season. The Lakers forward has the option to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season – forcing the Lakers front office to move with caution. If LeBron James decides to remain a Laker, he has the option to sign a two-year deal worth $97.1 million. Help from other players could entice the future Hall of Famer to stay put for a few more years.
If the Lakers are not in a position to win a championship before James’ free agent deadline, Los Angeles could be the next victim of a LeBron relocation.