Inside The Heat

Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem Comically Explains Why LeBron James Will Remain With Lakers

Anthony Pasciolla|
Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hugs Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hugs Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has a player option this offseason, splitting the media on his eventual decision.

Among those under the impression that James will remain in Los Angeles is Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem. The two spent four seasons together on the Heat, making four consecutive NBA Finals and winning two championships.

"You got a better chance wrestling an alligator than getting Bron out of L.A.," Haslem said on ESPN's Get Up. "He ain't going nowhere. He'll be in the south of France sipping wine while we have these discussions. We write about it and talk about it all the while he's going back to LA. This is a business decision."

James is one of the most accomplished players in league history, meaning family, business ventures, and more play a part in whether he opts in or out. Haslem has ventured into the media world since retiring in 2023, so he understands where James is coming from.

"He has the opportunity to opt out, get more money, that new TV deal is coming in, and extend his career a little longer," Haslem said. "Does he want to play with Bronny? We don't know how that goes. He ain't going nowhere, stop saying Philly. You talk business and basketball. What better place to do it than LA, except for Miami?"

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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