A sizable number of people, including some prominent members of the media, feel the Los Angeles Lakers should cut their losses and trade LeBron James this offseason.
James has one year left on his contract, and he’ll be eligible for an extension later in the summer.
Reportedly, he hasn’t discussed with his agency, Klutch Sports, whether he would sign an extension, and the four-time MVP is considering simply playing out the last year on his current contract.
If James says no to an extension, would Lakers owner Jeanie Buss actually consider trading him?
According to an NBA insider, the answer is no.
Via Lakers Daily:
“According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Jeanie Buss would not see James’ desire to play out the final season of his contract as a reason to consider trading him.
“’If LeBron James ultimately decides against signing an extension with the Lakers in August, sources say Buss wouldn’t see his desire to play out the final season of his contract as a reason to consider trading him,’ Amick wrote.”
Throughout Lakers history, the only superstar they have traded away was Shaquille O’Neal, and that only came because it appeared the team had to choose between him and Kobe Bryant in 2004.
The franchise has always prided itself on not only being the destination of choice for transcendent players such as James but also being the franchise that such players retire with.
It appears there are only two ways this may play out: Either James will leave in an at least somewhat ugly scenario, or he will retire gracefully as a Laker.
