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Los Angeles Lakers: Why JaVale McGee won’t be a Laker in 2021

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot against Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

There is reason to believe that JaVale McGee will not be on the Los Angeles Lakers next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers broke the traditional title-contending team mold this past season and rode that formula to win the NBA Championship. While most teams are getting smaller and focusing on the three-point shot, the Lakers went bigger and were one of the lesser three-point shooting teams in the league.

The Lakers definitely had their horses that they could turn to when they needed three-point shooting but they were not a team that identified as a three-point team. Instead, they had the size advantage in every matchup because of the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee.

McGee was the team’s starting center throughout the season but eventually did lose that starting job in the NBA Playoffs. Regardless, he was a key veteran to this Lakers team and the NBA Finals experience he had absolutely had a positive impact on the team as they battled in the Orlando bubble.

McGee has a player option for next season and will be a free agent the following season. While that player option seemingly guarantees that he will be in the purple and gold next season, there are specific reasons pointing to him not being a Laker in 2021.

The Lakers, despite the player option, do have the leverage in this situation. And it appears as if McGee is already preparing, as he has sold his Encino home. Here are the three main reasons why JaVale McGee will not be a Laker next year.

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