The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a major move to bolster their roster, and it involves superstar LeBron James taking a pay cut to make it happen. According to reports, James is willing to reduce his salary to accommodate the signing of former NBA MVP James Harden, who is currently an unrestricted free agent ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵.
Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, is a highly coveted player who could bring a new level of playmaking and scoring to the Lakers. Despite not being in his prime, Harden still averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists last season, shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to distribute the ball and score from deep would be a significant asset to the Lakers, taking some pressure off James and Anthony Davis.
The idea of James taking a pay cut to sign Harden or another impact player like Klay Thompson or Jonas Valanciunas is not surprising, given his desire to win another championship before his career ends. James has made it clear that he wants to prioritize roster improvement, and his agent, Rich Paul, has confirmed that he is willing to take a pay cut to make it happen.
The Lakers would use the full mid-level exception of $12.9 million to sign Harden or another veteran player if James takes a pay cut. This move would not only bring in a talented player but also show James’ commitment to the team and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
While Harden is the most likely target, Thompson and Valanciunas are also on the radar. Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star, averaged 17.9 points per game last season and shot 38.7% from deep. Valanciunas, a dominant big man, averaged 15.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season.
The Lakers are on a tight timeline to make a decision, as James is set to enter training camp with Team USA next week in preparation for the Olympics. His agent, Rich Paul, wants a deal done before then, and if the Lakers don’t land an impact player, James will seek a maximum three-year, $162 million contract.
Overall, the possibility of James taking a pay cut to sign Harden or another impact player is an exciting development for Lakers fans. It shows that James is committed to winning and willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. The Lakers’ front office must now make the right moves to capitalize on this opportunity and build a roster that can compete for a championship.
