To be successful in the years to come, the Los Angeles Lakers — headed by LeBron James — need to know what their star player has in mind. There is currently no evidence that the small forward will sign a new deal following the 2022-23 season, as per Bleacher Report‘s Eric Pincus.
“The Lakers were paralyzed at the trade deadline without clarity from James, and they remain so,” Pinus said. “The star forward is eligible for an extension on August 4, but most of the team’s moves will need to happen in June and July.”
“The Lakers are stuck without a commitment from James, whose contract expires after the 2022-23 season. Competing executives and agents do not expect the team to get clarity from James ahead of the draft and free agency.”
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report
How Lakers can convince Lebron?
At the very least, while he was healthy, James had an MVP-caliber season last year. In the long run, the front office may want to avoid relying on him to lead the way since he isn’t getting any younger.
Furthermore, it seems as though The King is unwilling to make a commitment without seeing some progress. That’s why he won’t sign an extension with the Lakers until he sees some progress for them.
