Lakers Could Re-Sign LeBron James If He Takes Pay Cut: Report
LeBron James is hitting free agency this summer, and one of the biggest questions is where the Los Angeles Lakers star will sign for what could be the final season of his career. It has become clear over the past few months that James will have to take a pay cut if he wants to re-sign with the Lakers. Los Angeles is moving forward with Luka Doncic as its franchise player, and rising star Austin Reaves is projected to sign a big contract with the Lakers in free agency this offseason.
Signing with a different NBA team seemed to be the only way James could secure another lucrative contract before retiring. But according to a recent report by ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, there are not any teams interested in offering James at least $50 million. Shelbourne also reported that the Lakers are open to re-signing James if he accepts a pay cut.
“This idea of playing for $50 million anywhere is gone. But if he is willing to play for less, if that fits what [the Lakers] are trying to do, I think the door is open,” Shelbourne said on NBA Today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @courtsidebuzzig Reaves Is Projected to Make More Than James Next Season Reaves is eligible for a maximum five-year, $241 million contract with the Lakers as a free agent this summer.
He has shown he is a strong partner for Doncic and could be a major piece of the Lakers’ future. Shelbourne said Reaves will make more than James next season if both re-sign with the Lakers. “It’s almost like he’d be reversing roles with Austin in terms of salary,” Shelbourne said.
Reaves is averaging a career-high 23. 5 points, 4. 8 rebounds and 5.