LeBron James’ decision to re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, $97.1 million ($140m AUD) contract extension reportedly did not come without complications.
Despite agreeing to an extension with Los Angeles, James has been “privately adamant” that the Lakers still need to improve their current roster — and trade for Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, according to The Athletic.
James and Irving were teammates for four years in Cleveland, and won a championship together during that period in 2016.
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Irving chose to opt in for one year at $36.9 million with Brooklyn at the end of June — just days before his Nets teammate Kevin Durant requested a trade. Irving’s future in Brooklyn has come into question after he played in just 29 games last season due to his refusal to comply with local COVID-19 vaccine ordinances, which kept him sidelined for home games.
The All-Star guard was able to return as a full-time player after New York Mayor Eric Adams announced relaxed vaccine mandates in March.
Irving averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the floor and 41.8 percent from deep in 29 games.
The Lakers already have a point guard in Russell Westbrook, who exercised his $47.1 million option for the 2022-23 season to return to the franchise at the end of June. The former league MVP is entering the final season of his five-year, $206 million contract.
Westbrook has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the NBA offseason, following a historically poor offensive debut with the Lakers before they were eliminated from playoff contention in April.
However, new Lakers coach Darvin Ham has expressed confidence in Westbrook, and believes he could make things work with the point guard in Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ roster has been changing since James arrived in 2018, with the 37-year-old reportedly having a heavy hand in roster construction. Los Angeles finished last season with a 31-48 record after injuries limited their Big 3 – James, Westbrook and Anthony Davis – to just 21 games together.
James’ extension keeps him under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season, and he reportedly has a player option for 2024-25. He told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with his eldest son, Bronny James.
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