Lakers News: LA's Master Plan Following LeBron James' Departure
Nobody knows exactly when LeBron James will call it a career but as he pushes age 40, we are definitely starting to get a better idea. The four-time NBA champion teased the idea of retirement following LA's loss to Denver in the WCF but I think we all knew he didn't want his final play ever to be getting swatted by Aaron Gordon.
A lot of factors will come into play during James' two final contract years with the Lakers... contention status, health, Bronny James' future and plenty more. Even though his arrival in LA changed the franchise as a whole, they must not get caught up in these next few emotional seasons and prepare financially and strategically for the post-LeBron era.
I broke down the purple and gold's plan that seems to be forming before us in a new video on the Lakers248 channel so make sure to tune in there if you are a visual learner and subscribe for more Lakers content coming soon!
Passing The Crown Down
Anthony Davis never had the pleasure of suiting up alongside other stars for a long period of time during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans. He formed a dynamic duo down low with DeMarcus Cousins but injuries robbed the world of seeing their full potential. Jrue Holiday also hadn't fully come into his own just yet when AD was still there.
Therefore, Davis has been able to study and learn exactly what makes James so great through the years they have spent together. It will be AD's time to prove that he can stay healthy and truly become the Lakers' number one option on both sides of the floor. Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have taken home the last three MVP awards... Lakers fans, I think we all know someone on our squad that should be up next to represent big men in that special category.
Unfortunately, the NBA world had mixed reactions on AD's new, historic deal that he just signed worth $186 million. Even though he just averaged 22 points, 14 boards and three blocks in the 2023 postseason, he still has more to prove.
Austin Reaves: Number 2 Option?
Based strictly off of contract numbers and rumors floating around the league, the Lakers plan to build around AD and Austin Reaves once James decides to move on from the franchise and we recently heard a number of experts agree that they will continue to make LA an attractive free agent destination.
AD is locked up with the organization through 2028 and Reaves is until 2027. In this modern era of the NBA, it's clear you need a versatile big man that does more than just rebound and score in the post along with guards that are efficient and can hold their own on defense.
Austin Reaves averaged 17, 4 and 4 across LA's WCF run in 2023... these numbers may look a little different this season with all of the team's new options but once The King is off the roster and Reaves is in the prime years of his career, he and AD could be a special duo.
Realistic Journey For James
LBJ's career has been nothing short of a Hollywood movie... there have been moments where he's been on top of the world and others where his entire fanbase turned on him.
He is going to receive his farewell tour no matter what and LA will do everything in their power to give him a roster that will allow him to contend for more titles. However, with everything going on in his life at the moment, we just need to appreciate every game he plays and respect when he decides to hang it up.
LA will adjust and they will look to none other than AD and Reaves to carry on James' legacy when that time comes.
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