LeBron James could take offense if the Los Angeles Lakers lowball him with a $15 million annual contract offer this offseason. Insider Jovan Buha said that while appearing on Colin Cowherd’s show on Saturday. Buha claimed that if Los Angeles prioritizes other free agency signings and trades and has no money left, James might consider joining the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, or San Antonio Spurs for the same amount.
“If the Lakers decide, ‘Hey, we’re gonna go pursue these restricted free agent or now we’re gonna make a trade for somebody and now only have X amount of money left over for you,’ I could see that being offensive to LeBron and him just being like, ‘alright well if you’re gonna pay me $15M … I’m just gonna get that from Miami or Golden State or San Antonio, or somewhere like that,'” Buha said.
Buha mentioned that if the negotiations sour, Miami would be the top suitor. It makes sense as the Heat might be better to contend for a deep playoff run with LeBron James’ addition alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
That frontcourt trio could be the most threatening one in the NBA on both ends of the court. It’s also an ideal fit for James as he can have the ball in his hands as the point man and orchestrate the offense, which won’t be the case in Golden State or San Antonio, or even Los Angeles if he decides to return.
Moreover, James is familiar with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, with whom he’s won two championships and made four consecutive finals. From a transactional perspective, the Heat can match that non-taxpayer mid-level exception deal to acquire James.
Warriors believe they have the upper hand in LeBron James move: Report
While Jovan Buha mentioned the Heat as “top suitors” for LeBron James on Saturday, on Friday, insider Brett Siegel reported that the Warriors feel they have the upper hand to land the 41-year-old in free agency.
“In terms of having access to their full mid-level exception, the Warriors firmly believe that they are the frontrunners to land LeBron James if he left the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency,” Siegel wrote for ClutchPoints. “Once again, Golden State is pursuing LeBron, and this will be their best chance yet… assuming James would even consider taking a massive pay cut to join them.”
The Warriors are unlikely to have a shot as good as anyone to win the championship, even with LeBron James. However, the prospect of teaming with Steph Curry and Draymond Green could be of great appeal for the four-time MVP.
James will also remain close to Los Angeles, where his family has settled for good after eight years since his move to the Lakers. He might not have the same role he would with Miami, but it would still be significant, as Steve Kerr likes to run the offense through a point forward.
Read more:
- Jimmy Butler Shuts the Door on Miami Return Amid Trade Talks
- NBA Analyst Claims LeBron James to Miami Would Be a “Disaster”
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