The Los Angeles Lakers are having an eventful free agency period as they work to figure out exactly how to shape their roster. They’ve secured their two centers in Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. However, LeBron James has been acting unusually throughout the process.
“They haven't put out a statement. It's not a rule that you put out a statement when a player picks up an option, but it is customary, and the Lakers did not do that," ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. "I had to actually check with the team and the league. I said, 'Did LeBron actually opt in?' And they said, 'Yes, the paperwork went through. He opted into his contract. Last year when LeBron signed a contract extension, Rob Pelinka had about a 115-word quote talking about how wonderful LeBron James is and what he means to the Lakers and what he means to their franchise. Yesterday there was no statement."
This has led to speculation that, for the first time in his career, James may no longer be in control of the franchise.
“He's still that good. I don't think it's his last year, but the fact that the Lakers did not discuss a 1-in-1, or a 2-in-1, or contracts beyond this year with him. They just let him sit back... that tells you a lot. It's not in his control with LA,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said.
James may be on the way out, but for now, trade talks are heating up—particularly involving Andrew Wiggins. The asking price has reportedly been set, and it’s up to the Lakers to decide whether they’re willing to pull the trigger.
“Per NBA insider Jovan Buha, the Heat would want a package of Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura and a first-round draft pick from the Lakers in exchange for Wiggins,” Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells wrote.
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Knecht is a promising rookie, and with the Lakers looking to build a long-term core around Luka Dončić, they may hold back—for now. However, the front office faces a dilemma, especially if getting Wiggins makes James want to stay.