LeBron James' decision headlines the lead-up to free agency The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th pick in this week's NBA Draft. Now, they hope to retain his father as well. LeBron James must decide by Saturday whether to opt into a $51.4 player option for next season. He could also opt out and sign a new deal with the team; the max the Lakers could offer him if he elects to become a free agent is three years and $160 million. James' decision comes on the eve of the free-agency negotiating period. Here are the key dates (and times) to know: Sunday, 6 p.m. ET: Teams may begin negotiating with free agents from other teams. They are currently only allowed to negotiate with their own impending free agents. July 6, 12:01 p.m. ET: Teams may officially sign free agents. James isn't the only big-name free agent. Paul George (player option), James Harden, Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan are also unrestricted free agents.
James is staying in LA, only thing to be determined is the timing and the route they go to retain him. I dont know the details but maybe when/how they sign him could leave differnet options for the Lakers to upgrade the talent around him. Which in my opinion they need to upgrade or they dont even make the playoffs. the west is brutal and Bronny is not adding to their win percent this year.
LeBron is a non story, wouldn't be so many Rich Paul threats for teams to not draft Bronny if there was a chance he leaves. Lots of other big stories. Could be a lot of trades or moves waiting for other dominos to fall first like Paul George. Maybe a tentative Grant, Ayton, or Simons trade is pending that.
I think picking up the option means that he is now guaranteed for at least $200K. And given that price, picking it up seems like a no brainer. I don't believe he is fully guaranteed until closer to January.
My first thought was the opposite, at least if Black was the guy we were targeting in a potential Orlando trade. Not saying the trade couldn't still happen, but it sure sounds like it isn't close to happening. But of course, there could be many other reasons why they would re-sign him. I do think though that a Banton-Simons backcourt during parts of the game would work well.
He is 34. I just think he wants a 3-4 year contract.....in case he gets hurt again. I still think the Clips are the likely destination
I think Bey would be a great FA target: He just had an ACL surgery, so he'll be out for ~9 months. Could return around January/February. Would a 3yr deal @ $6m/yr with a team option in the 3rd year be reasonable?
Grant to Warriors makes so much sense. Actually what would you guys think of a talent infusion swap to Golden State? One final hurrah for them. Grant Simons Timelord for Paul Wiggins Kuminga Two picks Not sure how Golden State values Wiggins at this point. They wouldn’t let him play in the Olympics and that supposedly pissed him off. Are they looking to move off his deal? So we even want to take on that contract? I’d love to add Kuminga and a couple picks from them.
There may be something there with Golden State, but there is no way we're getting Kuminga for any player or combination of players on our roster.
