The Los Angeles Lakers were informed that LeBron James won’t return next season before free agency kicked off, which gave them the freedom to make moves. LA pulled off a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler and swiftly added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton in free agency. They wouldn’t have known how much they had to spend on other players or their roster needs if King James dragged out his decision. LeBron gifted the Lakers clarity and is stealing it from the rest of the NBA.
Teams aren’t making moves as they wait for LeBron. The Grizzlies wisely signed Quinten Post to an offer sheet to force the Warriors to make a difficult decision. Paying Post may eliminate Golden State from the LeBron sweepstakes. If the Dubs don’t match, they lose a talented stretch big man for zero return. This is far from a one-off scenario. Several dominos will fall after King James makes his choice.
The Lakers aren’t sweating LeBron’s decision. They know he will join a contender in Los Angeles’ path to a championship. Other teams are hoping for King James and preparing contingency plans if he doesn’t come. LeBron didn’t make the purple and gold suffer through the unknown.
LeBron James gave Lakers the freedom to make moves as the rest of the NBA waits
Six teams are vying for LeBron, but the decision has domino effects across the league. Jonathan Kuminga hopes offers improve for his services when King James is off the board. Larry Nance Jr. and Georges Niang are rumored to be drawing interest (subscription required) from contenders. All those moves are waiting on King James.
The Lakers couldn’t afford to do that. They had cap space and a desire to improve their roster around Luka Doncic. Los Angeles had to act fast to land a center and upgrade their shooting. If LeBron made them wait, the Lakers could have been stuck overpaying for lesser players in the middle of Luka’s prime.
King James did the purple and gold one final favor. He could have held up their business, but LeBron didn’t. The GOAT let the Lakers move on and build a roster that fits around number 77.
The Cavaliers, Warriors, 76ers, Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Heat are all holding out hope that LeBron chooses them. It has prevented them from making moves, especially at the power forward spot. Other teams with needs at the position are waiting.
Rui Hachimura’s desire to stay in Los Angeles took him off the board, but a more lucrative offer could have presented itself if he waited. Things are slow as the NBA waits on LeBron.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the only team immune from that. They know King James isn’t returning and had the freedom to use their cap space. Rob Pelinka revamped the roster around Luka Doncic. The Lakers have the last few roster spots to fill and are waiting to see if they benefit from a Bronny James trade, but the rest of their business is done.
The Lakers should thank LeBron. They wanted the superstar to return, but the decision to move on came early enough to help the franchise. Every other team is waiting on LeBron to make key moves. Los Angeles is just hoping a talented player or two falls through the cracks.
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