2. Sign LeBron James to an extension
This season has not been a great one for the LeBron James-Los Angeles Lakers relationship. After reportedly getting frustrated with the team not trading for John Wall at the deadline, James went on his NBA All-Star Break media tour in which he seemed to drop hint after hint about his future and thoughts of the Lakers.
Rich Paul and Klutch Sports quickly walked back all of the reports about the frustration in LeBron’s camp but it is safe to say that there still was something there. LeBron, with only a year left on his deal, can try to flex his leverage over the Lakers.
The last thing the Lakers need is LeBron to play on an expiring contract with the threats of leaving next summer all year. That is how front offices get desperate and make horrible trades only for LeBron to leave anyway.
LeBron is getting old and he does not need a new four-year deal but the Lakers should be locking him down for at least one more season to play with Anthony Davis. The King is still playing at an elite level and has earned that extra season. Then, by the time the 2024-25 season rolls around, the Lakers can let him go play with whatever team drafts his son.
If LeBron does not want to agree to a one-year extension and wants to flex his leverage on an expiring deal then the Lakers should not be totally against trading him, especially if they can get an insane package in return.
Will it happen? Probably not. But if another team is offering an absurd package for LeBron James it would be better to trade him than let him walk after the season. At the end of the day, an extension is the best move.