The Los Angeles Lakers are down 0-3 in their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Barring the first 0-3 comeback in the history of basketball, it seems inevitable that the Lakers will lose. And if, and when, they do, LeBron James should leave this summer. Not only to help the Lakers move on, but also to help himself try to win one last ring.
James is entering the twilight of his career. Well, at this rate, he’s already been there for a long, long time. With how great the Thunder (and San Antonio Spurs) are, the Lakers probably won’t be making a title run before James retires. And they could use the money he will make to plan for the future.
So, not only is it best for James to leave, but it’s also best for the Lakers.
LeBron James should leave the Lakers this summer
Obviously, James is one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. He’s helped the Lakers win a championship and make another run to another Western Conference finals.
But at 41 years old, and with Luka Doncic ready to lead them into the future, the Lakers shouldn’t want to pay him big-time money anymore. They should want to spend that money to build around Doncic.
They should target a center. They should trade for better-fitting pieces next to Doncic. They should re-sign Austin Reaves to a huge deal. They should sign better role players.
There is so much the Lakers could, and should, be doing with the money they would have to pay James if he wanted to return to LA this summer in free agency.
At the same time, James likely wants one last chance to win his fifth NBA Championship. And based on everything going on in the West right now, with the Thunder and Spurs on top, the Lakers probably aren’t the place to do that.
They need to build out a better roster around Doncic before they are ready to compete, and with James’ money taking up a ton of room, that’s not super possible.
So, if the Lakers end up losing Game 4 to the Thunder, it should be James’ last game in purple and gold. It’s what is best for him and the team.
As great a player as James is, it just doesn’t make sense for him to return to the Lakers. They need to use the money they would pay him elsewhere, and he should be looking for a final team to try to help win a championship.
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