Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Willing To Take Pay Cut For Star Players

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James

NBA free agency kicks off this Sunday, and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be in the spotlight once again. Despite several role players opting into their contracts, the Lakers currently have no cap space or open roster spots.

However, LeBron James might help change that. Reports say he's willing to take a pay cut if it means the Lakers can sign a top-tier player. By doing so, the Lakers could use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of about $12.9 million per year.

James is selective about who he'd make this financial sacrifice for. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, he would consider taking less money for veteran stars like James Harden, Klay Thompson, or big man Jonas Valanciunas.

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James

The Clippers are likely to re-sign Harden, especially with Paul George possibly leaving, making his move to the Lakers unlikely. Valanciunas could fill the center position for the Lakers, but he might not be the high-impact player James is hoping for.

This leaves Klay Thompson as the most likely candidate. There appears to be mutual interest between Thompson and the Lakers. With free agency approaching, the idea of Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors is more plausible than ever.

Thompson will have multiple teams vying for him, including the Clippers and Dallas Mavericks. However, the chance to return home and play for the Lakers, the team he grew up supporting, might be very appealing, especially since his dad, Mychal Thompson, calls games for the Lakers.

Ultimately, James won't take a pay cut for just anyone. It's up to the Lakers' front office to find a player good enough to convince the 39-year-old superstar. If not, the Lakers might enter the 2024-25 season without significant roster upgrades, hoping for internal improvements under their new coach.

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Source: Lakers Nation