After the Miami Heat landed superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s time for another legend of the game, LeBron James, to enter the spotlight. The four-time NBA champion has ended the player option with the Lakers this season and is now an unrestricted free agent. While the front office had earlier expressed interest in retaining James for next season, Austin Reaves’ latest max extension has cast things in doubt for James.
Reaves is set to sign a four-year, $185 million extension, which will make him the highest-paid undrafted player, according to reports on Wednesday. However, the cap space will take a hit with Reaves’ deal, as the franchise already has Luka Doncic’s $50 million salary. The combination might make things difficult for the franchise to sign James. Fans pointed that out in the comments.
Legion Hoops shared the report on X:
“BREAKING: Austin Reaves signs a 4-year, $185M max contract to return to the Lakers, per ESPN.”
Fans got worried about James’ contract extension after news about Reaves’ deal went out. A user wrote:
“This tells me LeBron is 100% not returning to the Lakers at this point…”
Another fan posted a possibility:
“It’s either Rui or Bron. One of them is definitely leaving.”
One more user said they hope LBJ doesn’t return:
“i hope he is not returnig.”
One more user believed that James won’t come back to LA:
“Bye Bron.”
Although a section of fans believes the franchise might not re-sign LeBron James for next season, Austin Reaves’ deal won’t put any extra pressure on the team’s cap space, as the projected salary space already accounted for the guard’s extension.
LeBron James reportedly gets attention from Miami Heat
Although the Lakers are still deciding on LeBron James, the superstar forward is still reportedly getting active attention from the Miami Heat. The Heat have landed Giannis and are looking to add more wings around Bam Adebayo and him. According to sources, the Heat might be targeting James.
Earlier, the Lakers’ front office clarified that the team will aim to bring James back. The management might soon announce an update on him.
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