There has been increased speculation about LeBron James’ immediate future. He can opt out of his contract this summer and become a free agent, which brings up the question of whether he will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers past this season.
The Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers reportedly tried to trade for him recently only to be turned down. The Lakers made no moves prior to the deadline, which had to disappoint James, but many think they will look to make a big trade, possibly for a third legitimate star, this offseason.
ESPN personality Kendrick Perkins said this week that L.A. will definitely land such a player, and he even implied he knows who it would be. While on “The Pat McAfee Show,” NBA insider Shams Charania said the team could go after Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason (h/t The Cold Wire).
"The Lakers are in a position where they could go and get Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason..
We know they're gonna be aggressive and LeBron James has a player option for next season" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/6L2FzdN8r5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 16, 2024
The Lakers, of course, tried to get Murray prior to the deadline, but they couldn’t come to an agreement with the Atlanta Hawks.
If either Murray or Young would be the right fit next to James and Anthony Davis, such a move could be the thing that keeps James with the Purple and Gold. He has always loved assembling superteams and stacking the deck heavily in his favor.