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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a Laker in 2021

By Justin Hickey

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks with LeBron James #23 during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks with LeBron James #23 during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Only LeBron James is on the salary book for 2021-22

Okay, AD will be signed to a long term deal eventually. But as of right now LeBron remains the only player on the salary books for the Lakers for the 2021-22 season. A player option for around $41 million.

With the amount of money he has made in his career and now it’s about rings. It is possible he opts out and signs for less so the Lakers can make moves. This would give the Lakers flexibility because they could sign Giannis and then use their bird rights to resign LeBron.

Sitting at four championships, LeBron has the opportunity to get to five that Kobe Bryant won. Then he would have the chance to go after six that his ultimate goat competitor, Michael Jordan has.

With all of the endorsements he has and the money he brings in just by his name. He could easily settle for less money, which he has already done in his career for better opportunities. This may be the best one yet and has the Lakers in prime position to help him accomplish his desire.

Beyond the rest of the team, there will be options for the Lakers to use bird rights on other players. Those players include Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Caruso, Kostas Antetokounmpo and whoever they draft this year. Then they would be relegated to mid-level exception and veteran minimum.

But with that big three you’re set, and then when LeBron decides to retire you still have your star duo in place.

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