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LeBron James would likely need to take a pay cut in order to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or join the Cleveland Cavaliers per new rumors.
The uncertain future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers remains perhaps the biggest question in theNBA, as recently, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported thatthe rumors linking him back to the Cleveland Cavaliers have started to grow, but he wouldonly likely return onthe minimum contract.
Since then, differing reports have emerged on whether James would be willing to take a pay cut to put himself in a winning situation, whether that be on the Lakers, Cavaliers, or another team.
With that, a former teammate of James’,Iman Shumpert, dropped his take on how he thinks the 41-year-old sees winning compared to making the most amount of money possible.
Run It Back
The Lakers want to keep LeBron in LA, according to reports 👀
But that could mean taking a pay cut 😳
Iman Shumpert says Bron only cares about winning — the money will come regardless 🤑
Lou Williams says the situation isn’t the same as when LeBron took one in Miami 🙅♂️
“I think LeBron, if (he) can make it make sense of whatyou’re going to go do, LeBron will take a pay cut,”Shumpert said on the Run It Back show. “LeBron likes winning,he’s going to make the money.”
James is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers, set to be a free agent this summer.Despite being the oldest player in the league, he stillcarries a high value, and teams like the Lakers and Cavaliers have expressed interest in himon their rosters next season.
Shumpert, Run It Back Show On LeBron Taking A Pay Cut
The Run It Back hosts began their conversation about James potentially taking a pay cut to either stay with the Lakers or join the Cavaliers based onWindhorst’s recent comments made on ESPN Cleveland radio.
“He would only come at a discount. The only way the Cavs could add him would be to get him to play at either the minimum, or do some things to shave some salary to open the mid-level exception,” Windhorst said. “Ifhe’s able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I thinkit’s 99%.”
ESPN Cleveland
“If he’s able and willing, and is willing to accept that money, I think it’s 99%,” – @WindhorstESPN on LeBron James and the Cavs.
Windy notes that LeBron would have to probably accept a minimum contract in Cleveland.
While Shumpert said that he thinks James prioritizes winning over earnings, his other co-host, Lou Williams, claimed the opposite was true.
“(I’ve) never seen LeBron take no pay cut in my life,”Williams said. “(His contract with the Miami Heat) was a baby cut…Idon’t know ifhe’d take a pay cut in this scenario.”
James did take a minor pay cut during his time with the Heat back in the early 2010s, but since then, he has been one of the highest earners in the NBA during his second stint with the Cavaliers, and now with the Lakers.
LeBron’s Lakers Future, Cavaliers Return Rumors
Cleveland has the highest payroll in the NBA, meaning that with its current roster, adding James would almost certainlyhave to come with a pay cut, whether it bewith a minimum contract or something closer to the mid-level exception.
“From theCavs’ perspective,it’s simple,”Windhorst added. “They say to LeBron, ‘If you would like to play for us,we’d love to have you, this is what we have to offer. We can offer you (a minimum or mid-level contract), and being in Cleveland.‘”
As for the Lakers, while the team has said they are open to having James return next season and retire in Purple and Gold, thatdoesn’t appear to be in the cards. Multiple insiders, along with team owner Jeanie Buss, have signaled that this is James’s last season in Los Angeles, as he ‘hasn’t indicated‘any return to the team after this year.
Additionally, the Lakerslook ready tobe building for the future, asseen with their massive expected cap space this summer,and lack of moves at the latest trade deadline.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Los Angeles is looking to add pieces around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as that duo iswhat they are focused on going forward, rather than James.
Until James announces his next plans, his future both with the Lakers and a potentialCavaliers return remains uncertain. Yet still, him returning orgoing to a title-contending team feels unlikely if heisn’t willing to take a massive pay cut, as he would enter his 24th season in the NBA.