After playing in the league for 20 seasons and winning four rings, no one should fault LeBron James if he decided to coast through what's remaining of his illustrious career. However, his competitive nature doesn't seem to allow him to get rid of the title-or-bust mentality that has defined him throughout his NBA stint.
James reportedly still 'desperately wants' to chase another ring. As such, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to provide him with a roster that can compete with the league's best and will not falter in the first round of the playoffs as it did in the 2024 postseason.
"As Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has always said about this partnership, James' happiness is the key to it all," Sam Amick wrote for The Athletic.
"Yet while some have surmised that James might be content coasting in these final Lakers years, enjoying all the benefits of living in Los Angeles while continuing to make his incredible mark on the league's history books, league sources say he desperately wants to win at the highest of levels again. What's more, James' unprecedented play at this stage means he remains open to the prospect of playing two, or even three, more seasons before retiring," he added.
Searching for a third star
The Lakers have filled a hole in the organization by hiring JJ Redick as coach to succeed Darvin Ham. The press conference to make the announcement was quite eventful, especially after James' soon-to-be former podcast co-host asserted that the team is 'not far off' from being a legitimate contender.
Interestingly, LeBron and Lakers co-star Anthony Davis appear to disagree with their new coach. They reportedly believe they need another elite player on their side, even if it means the organization surrendering whatever assets it has left to give.
"And if the franchise cornerstones had their way, league sources say, the Lakers would prove their desire to win this week by going all-in for another elite player," Amick said.
Los Angeles has little to offer other franchises except for a few draft picks and some key pieces, such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. It remains to be seen if that would be enough to land another player who fits the bill, although a disgruntled star who wants to go to the Lakers could be available.
Related: "The eye test is the real test" - Ron Harper reacts to allegation that LeBron and Klutch "hired minions in the media" to tear down Jordan
An exciting offseason ahead
Fans should expect plenty of fireworks this summer, as franchises like the Lakers are looking to retool their rosters to give them better chances of keeping up with the Boston Celtics and other top contenders. Meanwhile, some organizations might be looking or have no other choice but to trade (or sign and trade) away their stars in exchange for assets.
The New York Knicks already pushed the first domino by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for more than a handful of draft picks and Bojan Bogdanovic.
The Purple and Gold should be communicating with offseason sellers if the front office wants to keep James and Davis happy and Redick's job safe. Fortunately, there may be a good deal of them, including the Atlanta Hawks (Trae Young and Dejounte Murray), Chicago Bulls (Zach LaVine), Los Angeles Clippers (Paul George), New Orleans Pelicans (Brandon Ingram), and Portland Trail Blazers (Jerami Grant).
Related: “I can have a vision, but there has to be buy-in and collaboration” - JJ Redick on how he plans to utilize LeBron James and Anthony Davis
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