The Los Angeles Lakers failed to make the playoffs last season. At the moment, it feels like the front office is resigned to bringing back largely the same roster.
If that does happen, it’s difficult to see a scenario where almost the exact same players produce a different result in 2022-23.
Because of that, many have taken to wondering whether star LeBron James will opt to leave the organization in 2023 when he becomes a free agent.
This week, some clarity on the topic emerged.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is really only one condition that would lend itself to LeBron leaving.
“The prevailing thinking in league circles holds that only the chance to play elsewhere alongside son Bronny James, who will be eligible for the 2024 draft and continues to develop as an NBA prospect, would spur LeBron to push for an L.A. exit,” Stein wrote.
It will be fascinating to see how the dynamic between LeBron and Bronny works out.
There has been a lot of hype about Bronny playing alongside his dad in the NBA one day – but hurdles remain. Recently the youngster plummeted down the national rankings, leading many to wonder whether he possesses the skills necessary to succeed at the next level.
And all of that is to say nothing about his size compared to his younger brother Bryce’s. Or how NBA scouts see Bryce as the better prospect.
In plain speak: there are more questions than answers when it comes to Bronny at this point. Which make the idea of him and LeBron teaming up together one day in the pros less of a sure thing than once believed.
The Lakers are an interesting place right now. More likely than not, if they can put a winning team around LeBron – he will end up retiring with the organization.
The video speaks for itself. https://t.co/uoPebEHgYH
— Game 7 (@game7__) July 30, 2022
As far as the remainder of the offseason goes, L.A. has a Plan A deal in mind and a Plan B deal. Time will tell which path they choose. Whichever one it ends up being, though, will likely have massive ramifications on LeBron’s future.
Will LeBron eventually end his career as a member of the purple and gold?
Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
