LeBron James sends strong message to Lakers after opting out

LeBron James has opted out of his final year with the Los Angeles Lakers and is willing to take a pay cut to return if it means improving the roster.

James’ longtime agent, Rich Paul, spoke with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Saturday, June 29. He confirmed that the four-time MVP opted out of the player option, worth $51.4 million. James is willing to take a salary cut – at least for a year – if it means adding an impact player.

“He prioritizes improving the roster,” Paul told ESPN. “He insisted on making every effort to improve the list.”

James’ goal in accepting less is to open the $12.9 million mid-level exception to sign an “impact player,” according to ESPN. Potential players who James believes fit that description include James Harden, Klay Thompson or veteran Jonas Valanciunas.

James has earned nearly $480 million on the court during his career. He also has a multitude of off-court activities, making him one of the most decorated athletes of all time. James will be 40 next season and the clock is ticking to win another championship. He is clearly determined to do so next season.

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Lakers on tight schedule with LeBron James

The Lakers have a tight timetable to make things happen. James is set to begin training camp with Team USA next week in preparation for the Olympics, and Paul wants a deal with the Lakers done by then.

If the Lakers don’t find the impact player they want by then, James will seek a three-year, $162 million maximum contract.

“If Los Angeles can’t find an impact player to sign for the full MLE that would be created by James taking a pay cut, James will look for the max,” McMenamin said. “There can only be so much patience from James: Team USA camp starts a week from today in Las Vegas and he needs an agreement before he can take the field.”

James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games last season with the Lakers. He earned his 20th All-Star title and was named All-NBA Third Team.

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Anthony Davis does not pressure LeBron James

Despite his withdrawal, James will likely return to the Lakers. The only question now is money. He will have the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny James, who the team selected 55th overall in the second round.

A big part of the championship recipe in Los Angeles is Anthony Davis. The star big man put no pressure on James to make a decision.

“I just respect his space,” Davis told ESPN. “I know we’re going to be together all summer and I know if he decides to do something — whether it’s staying with the Lakers, opting out and re-signing or opting out and choosing a different path, I know he’ll tell me before he makes an (official) decision just because we have that relationship. So I’m pretty sure I’ll know before anybody else does, other than his family and Rich (Paul).

More dominoes have fallen into place with the Lakers. D’Angelo Russell exceeded his $18.7 million player option on Saturday, as did Cam Reddish ($2.5 million).