"LeBron's being patient a little bit" - Chris Haynes reports that LeBron James is giving the Lakers front office a week before re-signing

One of the interesting wrinkles of the 2024 NBA free agency is that LeBron James remains a free agent after opting out of his contract. No one believes he will bring his talents anywhere but Hollywood, although he seems to be taking his sweet time before re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers .

According to insider Chris Haynes , James's intention not to immediately agree to a deal stems from his desire to see the front office try to bring in more reinforcements.

"LeBron's being patient a little bit," Haynes said in his recent update about the NBA rumors. "From how it was explained to me, he's gonna give the Lakers a week to see what they can do. I know they're making calls."

The Lakers on the clock

It appears James is keen on playing with another star so much that he is apparently willing to take a pay cut if it meant landing one of James Harden, Jonas Valanciunas, or Klay Thompson.

None of them are available now, with Harden re-upping with the Los Angeles Clippers, Valanciunas going to the Washington Wizards, and Thompson, despite getting a call from LeBron at the start of free agency, opting to join the defending Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks.

Other possible game-changers are available, though. Haynes mentioned DeMar DeRozan, who is reportedly at odds with the Chicago Bulls, and Jerami Grant, who had been linked to the Los Angeles even before free agency began.

This isn't the first time DeRozan has been rumored as a target for the Purple and Gold. Perhaps the NBA world will finally see the 34-year-old star go home to California and play for one of its teams. On the other hand, Grant shouldn't be counted out because he is a Klutch Sports Group client.

The Lakers' quiet offseason

Turning 40 in December, James appears hell-bent on continuing to compete for his fifth ring. Last season showed that he and Anthony Davis might need more help, which is why the organization has likely been busy the past few weeks.

However, other than drafting Dalton Knecht, a move that looks okay, and bringing in second-rounder Bronny James, which, to some, reeks of nepotism, the team hasn't really done anything impactful in the offseason. Even its plans to surround new head coach JJ Redick with a capable staff have hit a snag.

There's still plenty of time in the summer left, though, and the top brass could have an ace up its sleeve.

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