In theory, LeBron James should be one of the biggest dominoes that needs to fall for the Los Angeles Lakers to comfortably go out and do business during the upcoming summer. In practice, the Lakers might be allowed to operate without immediately having James in mind.
On a new episode of Mind the Game, Steve Nash was not going to dodge the subject of LeBron's future. That would have been negligence. James, for his part, suggested he could really take his time with this latest major career decision.
"Just taking my time and I haven't even really thought about it too much. ... I haven't even really even got to that point. ... Late June, as July roll around, free agency starts, gets going and July rolling and maybe into August, we start to kind of like, get a feel of what my future may look like."
Rob Pelinka told everyone in his exit interview that Los Angeles would allow the space and time needed for James to make a decision on his future. It sure sounds like LeBron is going to take it. In doing so, the Lakers are quietly getting a blessing to move forward elsewhere in free agency.
Lakers can fill out the roster without LeBron James while still leaving the door open
James added that he knew playing the game of basketball at a high level was something he was still capable of. While LeBron continues to flirt with the idea of retirement, statements like that suggest there is still at least one more season in the tank for the all-time great.
Suddenly, the Lakers may actually get the chance to have their cake and eat it too. If James intends to really hold off on his decision as late as a possible August announcement, Pelinka and company would need to proceed by surrendering LeBron's cap hold and addressing other needs.
That really may suggest a best-case scenario could be coming in Los Angeles.
LeBron stated on the podcast that winning will continue to guide his choice of where to play next. James could not reasonably expect the Lakers to give him the best chance at that without committing their finances elsewhere. That could mean the future Hall of Famer accepting that pay cut fans have been dreaming about.
James also added that his next destination will not be one where he needs to start over in his 24th season. That greatly implies a return to the Lakers and a continuation of the story in Los Angeles may just be the most realistic next (and final) chapter for LeBron.
The Lakers' goal from here is simple: fill out the best team possible with Luka Doncic in mind. That plan should ultimately paint them as the most attractive suitor for James' 24th season.
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