LeBron James is now officially back with the Lakers. The veteran megastar signed his new two-year contract on Saturday, but according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, there was a little something in there that hadn’t been disclosed: a pay cut.
“Little” is the operative word here. He was originally reported to be making the maximum of $104 million on this deal, but the final amount is reportedly $101.35. That’s a pay cut of $2.65 million. He has done it with the Lakers bringing a new shooter in mind.
LAKERS WANT A NEW SHOOTER
DeMar DeRozan is the latest NBA star to change teams this offseason, after weeks and months of rumors linking him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The six-time All-Star was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal with his former team, the Chicago Bulls. As a result, he will earn a total of $74 million over three seasons with the Kings.
With DeRozan now off the table, three other NBA stars could still join the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena and don the purple and gold this summer. The Lakers’ management is still exploring options to strengthen their roster.
1. Jerami Grant / Portland Trail Blazers
It’s surprising that the 30-year-old power forward has never attended an All-Star Game, despite averaging 21.3 points per game with a 39.2% three-point shooting rate over the last four seasons. However, various media outlets report that the Portland Trail Blazers have put their best current asset on the market. The Lakers are potential candidates to trade for him, knowing they would have him under contract until 2027, paying him a total of at least $95.6 million.
2. Trae Young / Atlanta Hawks
ESPN revealed that the Lakers’ management no longer has the same interest as they did months ago in the three-time All-Star. However, seeing so many top-tier players signing with or being traded to other teams, which have subsequently strengthened their rosters, might force JJ Redick’s team to reactivate their efforts. They may have to sacrifice valuable current and future assets to create the desired Big Three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Recently, Atlanta traded Dejounte Murray, so they won’t let their top player go to Hollywood unless they get shooting guard Austin Reaves in return.
3. Lauri Markkanen / Utah Jazz
