4 Offseason moves the Lakers must make to win the West next season
By Eric Fritts
1. Keep LeBron James
LeBron James made some rather interesting comments following the Western Conference Finals loss. He made it especially unclear if he planned on returning to the NBA for the 2023-2024 season. This Lakers team needs him back in a uniform for them to have any contending aspirations next year.
To be fair to James though, this playoffs did make it clear, if not already, that he was in the twilight of his career. He will be 39 at the end of this calendar year, entering what would be his 21st season. Playing at the level he does, for that long, is unprecedented.
Still, the most likely scenario is that James returns for the next season. Some have speculated that his statements were more used as a leverage play, signaling for the Lakers’ front office to make some of the aforementioned moves this offseason. James has always been very calculated and intentional with what he tells the media.
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Plus, judging from past limelight exploits like ‘The Decision,’ it’s doubtful James would seek a spontaneous retirement like Tim Duncan, instead of a farewell tour like Kobe Bryant.