It is starting to seem a little more likely that LeBron James will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers on a new contract this summer. But joining the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors, or simply retiring, remain options for the 41-year-old.
This season marked a change for James in terms of his usage and role. He became the Lakers’ third scoring option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and while he adjusted well, some likely wondered if it was a role he would be willing to continue to play beyond this season.
In a recent report for ESPN, Dave McMenamin wrote that taking a back seat to Doncic won’t be a factor in James’ decision this offseason.
“‘LeBron rocks with Luka,’ one source close to James told ESPN, so continuing to be asked by Redick to play a complementary role next to Doncic does not figure to be a sticking point in James’ decision-making,” McMenamin wrote.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists during the regular season. Playing a reduced role left him fresher for the playoffs, allowing him to increase his scoring output after Doncic suffered a season-ending hamstring strain on April 2.
It remains to be seen if James will take some sort of a pay cut to help Los Angeles secure at least one upgrade for its roster and also re-sign its other current players who will become free agents, or if he and his agent, Rich Paul, will demand a max or near-max salary.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: ESPN: Being third option behind Luka Doncic isn’t a concern for LeBron
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
