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Lakers fans should be happy if LeBron James doesn’t sign an extension

By Jason Reed

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers failed to make the playoffs in the 2021-22 season and it will undoubtedly go down as one of the most disappointing seasons not just in franchise history, but in NBA history.

The Lake Show now enter an important offseason where the team is going to look to capitalize on an ever-shrinking championship window with LeBron James. That window may be smaller than even the Lakers imagined it to be, as only one more year with LeBron is guaranteed.

Los Angeles can sign LeBron to a two-year extension worth $97.1 million this summer. However, there is some speculation that James could end up turning down the extension, instead going on a year-by-year basis, which is what he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers in his second stint.

LeBron does this to gain leverage over his team and influence the team’s decision-making, which has resulted in some pretty barren rosters left behind in the past. While that dynamic with LeBron is scary, at the end of the day, it might be better if the team does not get the chance to pay him $97.1 million this summer.

Why Lakers fans should be happy if LeBron James turns down a $97.1 million extension:

There is no denying that LeBron James was great this season and he is still undoubtedly a top-10 player in the NBA. However, we cannot simply ignore the fact that he is going to turn 38 years old in December and despite playing well, is showing signs of Father Time catching up to him.

LeBron has missed more games in four seasons with the Lakers than he has missed in his entire career before. Even if it is not injury-related, LeBron is managing his workload in the regular season. Sure, a February game in Oklahoma City might not matter, but is it really smart for the Lakers to pay LeBron $50 million to play 54 games every season?

Plus, as we have seen in the past, regression with stars at this point in their career happens fast. Yes, LeBron looks great right now and he has already pushed the boundaries of his age. But all it takes is one serious tweak to his lower body and it can go downhill fast. By this time next year, LeBron could be a shell of his former self.

This gives the Lakers flexibility to move on from LeBron if they do not think he is worth it next season. The absolute worst thing that can happen is agreeing to this extension only for LeBron to become a grizzled veteran who is no longer an All-NBA player.

While it is going to be hard to do because he is a Klutch Sports client, it would be much better for the Lakers to save that cap space to bring in other stars to play with Anthony Davis. At the very least, the Lakers can negotiate a one-year deal with LeBron next summer, keeping cap flexibility for the 2024 summer.

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Regardless of what it is, the Lakers are in a position where they kind of have to offer LeBron that extension, even if it is not the smartest decision. LeBron James potentially turning it down would be saving LA from themselves.

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