It has been reported that LeBron James could take up to $20 million pay cut, the veteran is expected to sign short-term deals. James has declined his player option for the next season, and he is now officially unrestricted free agent for the next edition.
As per the reports, James is willing to take a pay cut of $20 million if the Lakers can sign players like Klay Thompson, a James Harden, a Jonas Valančiūnas.
“What he’s telling the Lakers is if the can find an impact player at the mid-level exception, about $13 million,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on Sportscenter. “Whether that’s a Klay Thompson, a James Harden, a Jonas Valančiūnas, he will take less on his contract.”
“He’d have to take about $20 million less for the Lakers to have their full mid-level exception.”
James is in the fag end of his career and the upcoming season will be his 22nd in the NBA. The veteran will also have the opportunity to play with his son, Bronny James, who was signed by the Lakers in the 55th pick of the NBA draft.
Rick Paul, James agent, has revealed that the 39-year-old is prioritising the roster ahead of the NBA season.
“He is prioritising a roster improvement,” Paul told ESPN on Saturday. “He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games in the last season — the most games he has played in six seasons with the team. He shot 54% from the field and a career-best 41% from 3.
