NBA OffSeason- Year 6 with Lakers Foward Rui Hachimura
According to Report, Lakers Were Not Able to Sign $70 Million Star on LeBron James’ Wish List
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, three free agents were originally mentioned as being on LeBron James’ wish list for the Los Angeles Lakers. Two of these free agents have already signed with other clubs, leaving only Klay Thompson unattached.
Three players, including James Harden, were willing tо take salary cuts sо that the Lakers cоuld sign the superstar. Harden has instead decided tо re-sign with the Clippers. The Washingtоn Wizards alsо signed veteran center Jоnas Valanciunas, whо was оn this list, accоrding tо ESPN’s Adrian Wоjnarоwski.
“According to sources, James Harden is set to return to the Los Angeles Clippers and sign a two-year, $70 million contract. His agents, Troy Payne, Brandon Grier, and Mike Silverman of Equity Sports, have been in talks with team officials to finalize the deal,” Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on June 30, 2024 on X.
James was prepared to negotiate a lower salary with the Lakers in order to sign three players—Thompson, Harden, and Valanciunas. Whether or whether other players can fulfill James’ requirements as difference makers is an open question.
“[Rich] Paul said that in order to free up the entire $12.9 million midlevel exception to recruit a ‘impact player,’ James would be willing to negotiate with the Lakers for a contract that is less than the maximum three-year, $162 million he is eligible for.” According to McMenamin’s piece from June 29, titled “Rich Paul: LeBron James could take a pay cut to aid the Lakers,”
According to ESPN’s sources, James Harden, Klay Thompson, or Jonas Valančiūnas are examples of the types of players for whom he would be prepared to make a financial sacrifice. Another option would be an experienced large man to complement Anthony Davis, such James Harden or Jonas Valančiūnas.
James opted out of his $99 million, two-year deal, making him a free agent. Just before inking a new deal, the star is collaborating with the Lakers to bring in more players.