The Los Angeles Lakers are just beginning a crucial offseason. They fired their head coach and have an aging roster that suffered a disappointing first-round playoff exit. The Lakers must upgrade and have assets to trade. They must decide between going for role players to round out their roster and chasing a third star.
LeBron James has often won flanked by two stars, but that is difficult to do under the NBA’s current rules. The second tax apron is restrictive. The Lakers also struggled after adding Russell Westbrook. Does LA try to find another marquee name along with a new head coach?
The Lakers are rumored to be interested in Donovan Mitchell (subscription required) if he becomes available. There are plenty of questions circling after the Cavaliers were dominated by Boston in the second round of the playoffs, but Mitchell shut down one rumor on social media.
Donovan Mitchell slams rumors of issues with Cavs teammates
Chris Fedor wrote about Mitchell’s thoughts on his teammates (subscription required), but the five-time All-Star denied the issues on social media.
Yeah aight 🧢 I’m sick of yall sometimes! https://t.co/B7zdP8APDk
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 16, 2024
Fedor’s column and the Athletic reporting fueled trade rumors. Things have been bubbling for months as the Cavaliers face an inflection point this offseason. Mitchell has one year plus a player option remaining on his contract. Cleveland plans to offer an extension. If he declines, the Cavs have to trade him or risk losing him with zero return in free agency.
Will Mitchell sign an extension? Most believed not, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared the superstar's perspective.
Donovan Mitchell is happy in Cleveland
Woj reached out to Mitchell, and the five-time All-Star cleared up plenty. He is happy with the Cavaliers, but determined to win. Fans can hear the insider’s full comments on his talk with the five-time All-Star below.
There was a lot Woj did not say. He never stated that Mitchell plans to sign an extension with the Cavaliers or wants to remain in Cleveland. The 6'3 guard is happy, but that does not mean he believes it is the ideal place for him to win. The Cavaliers have a ton of talent. There are fit questions on their roster, which could be enough to lose their superstar.
Donovan Mitchell will decide his future this summer. Does he want to remain in Cleveland long-term? The Lakers are not the only team waiting with an offer if Mitchell becomes available. It will be a massive bidding war, but the five-time All-Star will have some control. Teams will not pay as much without knowing if he plans to stay beyond the 2024-25 season.
Expect changes in Cleveland this offseason. There were talks of Darius Garland requesting a trade if Mitchell signs long-term. The Cavaliers want to contend and will be a team to watch this summer.
Mitchell’s future will be a hot topic until it is resolved. The Los Angeles Lakers will certainly have interest if he hits the trade block. He will not be the only star available this summer. Expect Rob Pelinka and the front office to be aggressive in making upgrades. Will Mitchell become a Laker? Only time will tell.