LeBron James will consider taking less than the maximum if the Lakers can sign an impact player for MLE

LeBron James will consider signing a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers at less than his cap if the team can receive a commitment from an impact player for the full mid-level exception, Rich Paul confirmed to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

If no such player can be found at that number, James plans to sign with the Lakers at his maximum. A decision on the type of contract should be finalized by next Saturday when Team USA’s training camp begins in Las Vegas.

“He prioritizes improving the squad,” Paul said. “He’s always insisted on doing everything he can to improve the squad.”

James will have the option to receive a no-trade clause as part of his contract instead of signing an extension after signing up. James can sign for up to $160 million over three seasons.

Sources tell Marc Stein that James hopes the Lakers can acquire Thompson.

According to Jovan Buha of The AthleticJames would likely need to sign for $33 million to fit into the $12.9 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception on the Lakers’ books.