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LeBron James is said to be ready to return next season with a vengeance. According to NBA insider Scoop B. Robinson, James didn’t like the way Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone complained about the Los Angeles Lakers receiving media attention during the playoffs.
Malone complained repeatedly in press conferences during the playoffs that his Nuggets team was not getting enough coverage. He wanted less talk about James and the Lakers and more focus on Jokic and his team.
Denver ended up sweeping James and the Lakers out of the playoffs in the Western Conference Finals. After that, the Nuggets went on to win their first NBA title by defeating the Miami Heat.
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Robinson says he has spoken to people close to James and they say Malone’s comments offended James. Malone even took some small shots, implying to James that he’s past his prime and that the league now belongs to Jokic. It is clear that he will use the perceived disrespect as motivation next season.
Will LeBron James return next season?
If B Robinson’s sources are to be trusted, it looks like LeBron James is poised for a huge payout. The living legend hinted at a possible retirement after the Lakers lost to the Nuggets. He did not make any public comments on this matter.
The Lakers appear to be moving forward with an expectation of his return next season. James has two years left on his deal and is set to earn $46.6 million next season. He then has a player option for the following year, worth $50.4 million.
The Lakers will try to add pieces and keep the young core out of their stars to get them running again. Los Angeles will be a title or bust next season as LeBron James is 39 years old.
They have decisions to make about multiple parts of their menu. Recent reports say they will try to re-sign D’Angelo Russell. They have already made qualifying offers to Austin Reeves and Rui Hachimura, and will have the right to match any offer these two receive in free agency.
The Lakers are also chasing free agents, including Bruce Brown, a member of the Nuggets team that just won the championship.
Los Angeles could save some space by waiving Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba as their contracts are not guaranteed. They’ve already picked up Jared Vanderbilt’s $4.6 million team option next season.
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