Can We Talk LeBron Yet?

[ACMFFL]

I have Gaff worth 1 late 1st and expiring PJ a mid 1st in the range of #15/#16. Ofc only win-now teams would value them, but I guess most of these franchises would rather have proven quality role players.

Cool, then you can just keep him or eat his salary, those are my favorite options too, Mavs have less than zero reason to bid against themselves, no team is gonna offer more than that except maybe for Miami (and I doubt LBJ would be interested), noone is willing to gut the roster to match his salary, that's the point. If PJ is included, ofc Mavs have to ask for Knecht without adding any pick, they need cheap cost controlled player to fill the roster.
Also LBJ has a NTC, so if he asks out, he'll pretty much dictate his next destination and I don't see why he would want to join a depleted team if his goal is to compete.

Not sure I agree with your evaluations at all. Gafford was traded to Dallas for Richaun Holmes (and the dead money associated with him) along with a late FRP from the Clippers. The Mavericks were dumping Holmes moreso than acquiring Gafford because he was anything notable. 2.5 years later and a 3 year extension hasn't changed his value. He's worth a late FRP if you're taking back some useless dead money. The Lakers really don't have any interest/need in PJ Washington, so if there's a 3rd team that can send expiring contracts to LA plus provide more value than it isn't dead.

I'm more than content letting LeBron play out his final year in LA. Remember, leverage goes to the team most content with status quo and that's the Lakers. Remember, it's not the Lakers' responsibility to fill out the Mavs' roster with cheap, cost-controlled players. That's the Mavericks job. The Lakers are giving up the best player in the deal (by far) and getting back a couple of solid albeit not elite role players.

Meanwhile Gafford value increased, he has proven to be a good role player on a legit contender, he's definitely worth a late 1st by himself. How aren't the Lakers interested in PJ? He's exactly the big defensive wing they need, even more considering that he has already proven to be very effective next to Luka.

Well, on the other hand it's not Mavs job to bail out the Lakers once again, that's our offer (no PJ, no pick), take it or leave it.
I repeat, I see no reason why the Mavs should offer more than that when no team is willing to gut their roster, I see no market for him.
And are you sure you are the team most content with status quo? I mean Dallas isn't the one who has to deal with a disgruntled LBJ, Mavs are actually pretty good with the team they have, in fact according to Tim McMahon they are expected to extend PJ next August.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

I have Gaff worth 1 late 1st and expiring PJ a mid 1st in the range of #15/#16. Ofc only win-now teams would value them, but I guess most of these franchises would rather have proven quality role players.

Cool, then you can just keep him or eat his salary, those are my favorite options too, Mavs have less than zero reason to bid against themselves, no team is gonna offer more than that except maybe for Miami (and I doubt LBJ would be interested), noone is willing to gut the roster to match his salary, that's the point. If PJ is included, ofc Mavs have to ask for Knecht without adding any pick, they need cheap cost controlled player to fill the roster.
Also LBJ has a NTC, so if he asks out, he'll pretty much dictate his next destination and I don't see why he would want to join a depleted team if his goal is to compete.

Not sure I agree with your evaluations at all. Gafford was traded to Dallas for Richaun Holmes (and the dead money associated with him) along with a late FRP from the Clippers. The Mavericks were dumping Holmes moreso than acquiring Gafford because he was anything notable. 2.5 years later and a 3 year extension hasn't changed his value. He's worth a late FRP if you're taking back some useless dead money. The Lakers really don't have any interest/need in PJ Washington, so if there's a 3rd team that can send expiring contracts to LA plus provide more value than it isn't dead.

I'm more than content letting LeBron play out his final year in LA. Remember, leverage goes to the team most content with status quo and that's the Lakers. Remember, it's not the Lakers' responsibility to fill out the Mavs' roster with cheap, cost-controlled players. That's the Mavericks job. The Lakers are giving up the best player in the deal (by far) and getting back a couple of solid albeit not elite role players.

Meanwhile Gafford value increased, he has proven to be a good role player on a legit contender, he's definitely worth a late 1st by himself. How aren't the Lakers interested in PJ? He's exactly the big defensive wing they need, even more considering that he has already proven to be very effective next to Luka.

Well, on the other hand it's not Mavs job to bail out the Lakers once again, that's our offer (no PJ, no pick), take it or leave it.
I repeat, I see no reason why the Mavs should offer more than that when no team is willing to gut their roster, I see no market for him.
And are you sure you are the team most content with status quo? I mean Dallas isn't the one who has to deal with a disgruntled LBJ, Mavs are actually pretty good with the team they have, in fact according to Tim McMahon they are expected to extend PJ next August.

I’ll take a disgruntled LeBron over pj and gafford any day. Way more of impact player. Gafford and PJ type of players you buy cheap from teams with losing seasons. The same way Mavs acquired them.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

If LeBron was really disgruntled we wouldn’t be hearing from weak sources. Rich Paul and his media friends never had a problem getting their narrative out there. All of a sudden LeBron is disgruntled but rich paul is acting gun shy?

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Reminds me when Ramona was saying Rob didn’t understand the CBA a few years ago. Turns out Ramona was the one that didn’t understand lol

[basketballwacko2]

It seems to me that LeBron wants to win another title, but wants to win it in LA. I don't think that's gonna happen in 2025-26. They just don't seem to be deep enough when you get past the starters. As good as LBJ and Luka are it's not enough.

[zimpy27]

I also don’t see Lebron taking a minimum just to chase a ring. This is a top 3 all-time player. If only out of respect to him and/or his ego, I don’t see it. Maybe a paycut like Tom Brady.. But he’s putting up 25-5-5 and 41. Someone is going to have to put respect on his name to get him, whether it’s MIA, NY, CLE, or another place.

LeBron was just 2nd team all NBA and was again the best player on the Lakers in the playoffs.

He's not going to suddenly stop being elite. He will have a gradual slow fall unless catastrophic injury happens.

I know it's mind-bending but people should consider that LeBron probably plays for another 5 years at the level of a max or near-max contract.

[Slava]

I also don’t see Lebron taking a minimum just to chase a ring. This is a top 3 all-time player. If only out of respect to him and/or his ego, I don’t see it. Maybe a paycut like Tom Brady.. But he’s putting up 25-5-5 and 41. Someone is going to have to put respect on his name to get him, whether it’s MIA, NY, CLE, or another place.

LeBron was just 2nd team all NBA and was again the best player on the Lakers in the playoffs.

He's not going to suddenly stop being elite. He will have a gradual slow fall unless catastrophic injury happens.

I know it's mind-bending but people should consider that LeBron probably plays for another 5 years at the level of a max or near-max contract.

I would say 5 is very very optimistic. Kobe was 27/5/5 at 57% TS in 2012-13 and one injury later, became a shell of himself. Decline can come fast even for the most dedicated athletes.

[Vae Victus]

Ugh the next few months are gonna suck for Laker fans. Now we gotta deal with this drama as the vultures circle hoping to pick our carcass clean praying that we buyout LeBron and essentially commit franchise suicide for no reason. Then do it all over again next offseason if Luka doesn’t sign his extension as soon as he’s able and gotta deal with “better trade Luka for anything you can get before we bolts like DHo!” taunts.

[jbk1234]

Ugh the next few months are gonna suck for Laker fans. Now we gotta deal with this drama as the vultures circle hoping to pick our carcass clean praying that we buyout LeBron and essentially commit franchise suicide for no reason. Then do it all over again next offseason if Luka doesn’t sign his extension as soon as he’s able and gotta deal with “better trade Luka for anything you can get before we bolts like DHo!” taunts.

I don't think trading a 40- year old LBJ, especially when he's on a max deal and appears to have one foot out the door, is franchise suicide. If he's open to it, it's better than watching walk for nothing next summer.

[Vae Victus]

I don't think trading a 40- year old LBJ, especially when he's on a max deal and appears to have one foot out the door, is franchise suicide. If he's open to it, it's better than watching walk for nothing next summer.

Oh I agree that if LeBron can be traded for a solid package of players who aren’t overpaid and fit around Luka isn’t a bad outcome. But haters want LeBron to nuke the team and demand a buyout where he still gets his max money and leave the Lakers with no cap relief in order to ring chase for their preferred team. Gonna be hearing these taunts until LeBron openly comes out he’s cool with playing his contract out AND plays hard during the regular season, otherwise more taunts and jeering that LeBron is purposely sandbagging. It’s gonna be tiresome and Shelburne and Windhorst are leading the way in egging it on.

[zimpy27]

I also don’t see Lebron taking a minimum just to chase a ring. This is a top 3 all-time player. If only out of respect to him and/or his ego, I don’t see it. Maybe a paycut like Tom Brady.. But he’s putting up 25-5-5 and 41. Someone is going to have to put respect on his name to get him, whether it’s MIA, NY, CLE, or another place.

LeBron was just 2nd team all NBA and was again the best player on the Lakers in the playoffs.

He's not going to suddenly stop being elite. He will have a gradual slow fall unless catastrophic injury happens.

I know it's mind-bending but people should consider that LeBron probably plays for another 5 years at the level of a max or near-max contract.

I would say 5 is very very optimistic. Kobe was 27/5/5 at 57% TS in 2012-13 and one injury later, became a shell of himself. Decline can come fast even for the most dedicated athletes.

Yeah well that's the catastrophic injury I mention. Barring that he likely play at a near max level for 5 years

[One_and_Done]

I also don’t see Lebron taking a minimum just to chase a ring. This is a top 3 all-time player. If only out of respect to him and/or his ego, I don’t see it. Maybe a paycut like Tom Brady.. But he’s putting up 25-5-5 and 41. Someone is going to have to put respect on his name to get him, whether it’s MIA, NY, CLE, or another place.

LeBron was just 2nd team all NBA and was again the best player on the Lakers in the playoffs.

He's not going to suddenly stop being elite. He will have a gradual slow fall unless catastrophic injury happens.

I know it's mind-bending but people should consider that LeBron probably plays for another 5 years at the level of a max or near-max contract.

I would say 5 is very very optimistic. Kobe was 27/5/5 at 57% TS in 2012-13 and one injury later, became a shell of himself. Decline can come fast even for the most dedicated athletes.

This is true, but on the other hand... it's Lebron. Dude is a 1 of 1 freak in NBA history. We've been predicting his decline for years, but at this point it wouldn't even be that surprising if he had 2-3 more years at this level.

He has almost no trade value of course, due to his NTC, contract, age, leverage, etc, but certainly wouldn't be shocking if he's an all-nba player still in a few years. Kobe's decline was far more ordinary, you can't use him as a comparison for Lebron.

[dowhatnow]

I don't think trading a 40- year old LBJ, especially when he's on a max deal and appears to have one foot out the door, is franchise suicide. If he's open to it, it's better than watching walk for nothing next summer.

Oh I agree that if LeBron can be traded for a solid package of players who aren’t overpaid and fit around Luka isn’t a bad outcome. But haters want LeBron to nuke the team and demand a buyout where he still gets his max money and leave the Lakers with no cap relief in order to ring chase for their preferred team. Gonna be hearing these taunts until LeBron openly comes out he’s cool with playing his contract out AND plays hard during the regular season, otherwise more taunts and jeering that LeBron is purposely sandbagging. It’s gonna be tiresome and Shelburne and Windhorst are leading the way in egging it on.

Is there a buyout amount that you’d be willing to accept just to be over the LeBron drama and go into the season focused on Luka and the future? For example: if Savannah really REALLY wants to move back to Akron so much that LeBron would be willing to take 36.4 million in a buyout leaving 16.2 million on the table that partially could be offset? Would that be enough to just wash your hands and be done with it?

[zimpy27]

Hate to say this everyone but Lakers and LeBron are aligned with wanting to win. Keeping Luka is about being competitivie.


Lakers aren't trading LeBron, LeBron may even re-up another season. There are no FAs better than LeBron in 2026 besides Luka.

Yes Lakers want capspace in 2027, that actually hamstrings them a bit, but that's the only difference between what LeBron and Lakers might want.

[nzahir]

Hate to say this everyone but Lakers and LeBron are aligned with wanting to win. Keeping Luka is about being competitivie.


Lakers aren't trading LeBron, LeBron may even re-up another season. There are no FAs better than LeBron in 2026 besides Luka.

Yes Lakers want capspace in 2027, that actually hamstrings them a bit, but that's the only difference between what LeBron and Lakers might want.

I dont see many better realistic winning situations for Lebron even tbh

Knicks and CLE give him the best shot, since whoever gets him should steam roll the East

NY for KAT and I think NY wins it all if they stay healthy

CLE is tough. Would need to move Garland+Hunter+more for salary. I think also Allen (try and get a cheap young C like Kessler). I don't see it happening unless he goes there next year

Miami wouldnt be as good as LAL

Okc and Denver arent happening

Luka should be at worst a top 4 player currently in the world

Reaves is a very good #3 (just not an ideal fit as we probably need a guy who is more of a defender and a better shooter)

Ayton is a legit starting C and an above average one

And we have a couple of playable role guys, but the depth is lacking currently

[Apz]

I don't think trading a 40- year old LBJ, especially when he's on a max deal and appears to have one foot out the door, is franchise suicide. If he's open to it, it's better than watching walk for nothing next summer.

Oh I agree that if LeBron can be traded for a solid package of players who aren’t overpaid and fit around Luka isn’t a bad outcome. But haters want LeBron to nuke the team and demand a buyout where he still gets his max money and leave the Lakers with no cap relief in order to ring chase for their preferred team. Gonna be hearing these taunts until LeBron openly comes out he’s cool with playing his contract out AND plays hard during the regular season, otherwise more taunts and jeering that LeBron is purposely sandbagging. It’s gonna be tiresome and Shelburne and Windhorst are leading the way in egging it on.

Is there a buyout amount that you’d be willing to accept just to be over the LeBron drama and go into the season focused on Luka and the future? For example: if Savannah really REALLY wants to move back to Akron so much that LeBron would be willing to take 36.4 million in a buyout leaving 16.2 million on the table that partially could be offset? Would that be enough to just wash your hands and be done with it?

Why does it matter? Does nothing for lakers, they wont get cap to replace him. He could take 0 in buyout and lakers still couldt replace him. And if he were intrested in that he should just not picked up the option

[jbk1234]

Hate to say this everyone but Lakers and LeBron are aligned with wanting to win. Keeping Luka is about being competitivie.


Lakers aren't trading LeBron, LeBron may even re-up another season. There are no FAs better than LeBron in 2026 besides Luka.

Yes Lakers want capspace in 2027, that actually hamstrings them a bit, but that's the only difference between what LeBron and Lakers might want.

It seems like a lot would have to change for LBJ to consider re-signing with the Lakers next season. He's floated retiring multiple times over the last couple seasons. We're at the where do I want to finish my career part of his journey.

[scoobs07]

Probably something like Lebron + Vanderbilt to Golden State for Butler + 2028 1st + 2030 1st + 2032 2nd.

Why for Lakers?

-Butler is also old, brittle, and is a bit of an awkward fit, due to him not being a great 3-pt shooter, but he does still provide lock-down defense and is relatively low usage for his production.

-Lakers get assets.

-Lakers trade Vando, who has negative value due to the length of his contract. Would benefit the 2027 plan.

Why for Warriors?

-Pair Lebron with Curry and Green to make one last run at it.

-Curry/Lebron complement each other perfectly.

-41 yr old Lebron > 36 yr old Jimmy

Why for Lebron?

-Gives him a chance to win with his buddies: Steph and Draymond.

[ecuhus1981]

What about Kuminga S&T Lebron?

The Lakers may view him as a potential complementary star next to Luka, and give him a downscaling 3yr deal with a team option that meets the minimum salary threshold for swapping the 2 of them.

The Dubs would need a 3rd team with capspace like Brooklyn, due to salary matching with Kuminga's BYC. Maybe the Nets absorb Moody or Hield for a future 2nd. I think it could move both teams in their preferred direction.

[scoobs07]

What about Kuminga S&T Lebron?

The Lakers may view him as a potential complementary star next to Luka, and give him a downscaling 3yr deal with a team option that meets the minimum salary threshold for swapping the 2 of them.

The Dubs would need a 3rd team with capspace like Brooklyn, due to salary matching with Kuminga's BYC. Maybe the Nets absorb Moody or Hield for a future 2nd. I think it could move both teams in their preferred direction.

I feel Kuminga is not a good fit with the Lakers, and is generally over rated at this point. He doesn't provide the shooting, and his defensive metrics are not great either, though he is a defender in theory. I don't like the fit. Like I said Jimmy is even a rough fit, but he is short term and still posts steller defensive metrics. I mean if some other team what's Kuminga and see what they would offer LAL then that's worth looking into, but I would pass on Kuminga.