LeBron James has shattered expectations for an NBA star, leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals while breaking scoring records. However, his elite level of play may not last indefinitely, making it crucial for Lakers fans to appreciate the legendary basketball he continues to display, even if it’s not his prime.
The upcoming 2023-24 season is likely to be his final one with the purple and gold, as LeBron has hinted at leaving the team in his recent Instagram story, albeit with retirement threats that may be strategic in nature to influence Lakers’ decisions.
LeBron IG story 😭 pic.twitter.com/bduYP6yQPV
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 28, 2023
LeBron James’s Strong Indication of Departing Lakers to Join Bronny James
LeBron James’s desire to play with his son, Bronny James, has been widely anticipated for years, with expectations that he would join whichever team drafts Bronny in 2024. LeBron’s recent statement about the entire James family potentially going to Atlanta, where Bronny was mock-drafted, strongly suggests that he is willing to exercise his player option and make financial sacrifices to make this happen.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, they have limited control over the situation. The New Orleans Pelicans possess the rights to either take the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick or defer it to 2025, regardless of its position. If the Lakers pick falls deep into the 20s, the Pelicans could gamble on it being better in 2025. However, given Bronny’s projected status as a top-10 draft prospect, it is likely that he won’t remain available until then.
While the destination may not ultimately be Atlanta, the team that drafts Bronny in 2024 will also secure LeBron James’s services during the summer of that year. The Lakers find themselves powerless to prevent this from happening.
Source: Fansided
