5 Stars Lakers could land after LeBron James leaves LA
By Tyler Watts
2. Jayson Tatum
Could Tatum go from the best player on the Celtics to the Lakers? It would be a first and a bit unfathomable given the two franchises long-standing rivalry, but Tatum learned so much from Kobe Bryant that it would not be shocking to see him take on the challenge of leading the Lakers.
Tatum was a Lakers fan growing up, and he idolized Bryant. The two ended up working out together as Tatum got older. The 25-year-old has become one of the best players in the NBA, and Kobe played a role in that success.
The Celtics have made the conference finals five times in the last seven years, but have been unable to break through and win it all. They are among the favorites this year, but what if they fail again? Tatum can become a free agent in 2025 if he declines his player option.
If LeBron James opts in this summer but decides to leave next summer to play with his eldest son, Jayson Tatum could be a free agent. Would he leave Boston to join the Lakers? Tatum wants to win a championship and honor his mentor Kobe Bryant. What better way to accomplish both feats than by leading the Lakers to a championship?