Inside The Heat

LeBron James "Remains Supportive Of Lakers Direction" Amid Contention Concerns

Alex Toledo|
Aug 10, 2024; Paris, France; United States guard LeBron James (6) and centre Bam Adebayo (13) celebrate with their gold medals after defeating France in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images
Aug 10, 2024; Paris, France; United States guard LeBron James (6) and centre Bam Adebayo (13) celebrate with their gold medals after defeating France in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images | Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

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Miami Heat

Earlier this summer, former Miami Heat superstar LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract, followed by an ominous statement from Rich Paul implying James and the Los Angeles Lakers might not be on the same page. With Luka Doncic signing an extension over the weekend, the four-time Finals MVP reportedly is understanding of the team's direction.

"I am told he's been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more toward a Luka Doncic-led future," ESPN's Shams Charania said on 'Get Up.' "Now, what does that mean for LeBron James? He's opted in. So technically he is a Laker. How will he finish his career though? Is he going to play year 23 and finish out in L.A., and that's going to be it?"

"At the end of the day, I think the Lakers even understand he's going to end his career on his own terms," Charania said. "I think he's earned the right to do that. We just don't know what that looks like yet."

The Heat, where James won two of his four championships, MVPs and Finals MVPs, do not have max cap space next summer. However, they can get there by moving guys like Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell, (signed on past 2026), for expiring contracts by the trade deadline. They would have to hold back on extending any current expiring contracts like Norman Powell and Nikola Jovic.

If the Lakers and James come to some sort of understanding before the trade deadline that he won't end his career there, they could look to trade him to attempt to restock draft capital, along with expiring contracts. The Heat could fulfill those prerequisites if James were to have interest in waiving his no-trade clause to play for the Heat.

"He's entering year 23, an NBA record. No one has played at this level this late in their career. He's going to be 41 years old in December, so this is a really delicate balance that the Lakers are playing," Charania said. "On one hand, they're really celebrating their new face of the organization. On the other hand, it's how do we give LeBron James the respect that he deserves as well as a four time champion. He's the one that brought the Lakers a champion, so it's been a very delicate balance."

James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds, converting on 51 percent of his shots for the 50-32 Lakers in his age-40 season, earning him a spot on the All-NBA 2nd Team.

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Alex Toledo
ALEX TOLEDO

Alex, who was born in Miami, is also a producer, co-host and reporter for the Five on the Floor podcast. He has covered the Heat and NBA since 2019 as a season credential holder. He studied journalism at Florida International University.