Now that the Los Angeles Lakers' season is over, attention will turn to their offseason. The Lakers have a chance to address their major flaw this summer, with them in desperate need of adding a starting and backup center.
If they can, then they could reemerge as a contender next season, but they might have to first deal with LeBron James. The Lakers could have access to their full mid-level exception, which is a luxury for a playoff team.
Nevertheless, they will need LeBron to take less to give them that flexibility. Unfortunately, he isn't expected to take another pay cut like he did last season. That could be only the beginning of the Lakers' problems with LeBron this summer.
NBA Rumors: A growing LeBron James and Lakers rift could derail their summer
According to Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, despite having potentially only one or two more seasons left in him, LeBron isn't a lock to finish his career with the Lakers. This despite them landing a superstar, Luka Doncic, to play with LeBron in the twilight of his career.
It might seem far-fetched for LeBron to consider leaving town at this stage of his career. Even so, LeBron has already taken parting shots at the Lakers' front office.
During his post-game interview, following their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron subliminally voiced his displeasure for the Lakers front office. This after they failed to add a much-needed big man to help patrol the paint.
Their failure to do so cost them big time in the playoffs against the Timberwolves, who punished them when they went small. The Lakers can resolve those problems but will need LeBron's help to unlock the full mid-level exception. But LeBron isn't willing to take a pay cut, leading to questions about his future with the team.
Is LeBron James trying to play hardball with the Lakers?
Perhaps he is trying to put pressure on the Lakers front office to deliver this summer, which isn't out of the realm of possibility. He has historically done that with front offices by trying to force them to make moves to improve his teams.
Two potential offseason targets could be Atlanta Hawks free agent Clint Capela and Milwaukee Bucks free agent Brook Lopez. Using part of the mid-level exception to sign those two players would resolve their issues at center and give them both rim protection and versatility. Capela is one of the best rim runners and rebounders in the NBA, while Lopez is one of the best stretch fives in the league as well.
All in all, LeBron doesn't appear willing to take less to help facilitate the Lakers' offseason moves. This comes after he made a subtle jab at the Lakers' front office. Now comes word that he may not end his career with the Lakers, adding to the Lakers' growing concerns about their star player.