The Los Angeles Lakers have their sights set on nothing less than a championship this season. With that and a struggling season, it will be an enormous feat if they get close to their aspirations. However, it will only pave the way for the biggest news of the franchise. LeBron James is currently tied to the Lakers through a two-year contract. However, he holds a player option for the next season. This means he can decide whether to continue with the Lakers or explore other opportunities.
This has led to numerous speculations about the King. One of them is that James’ potential new team can revolve around the prospect of his son, Bronny James, entering the NBA draft. LeBron has openly expressed his ultimate desire to play alongside Bronny. In turn, it is fueling a narrative that he might choose a team based on where his son is drafted.
NBA Insider hints at Lakers’ potential superstar-less future
While the Lakers may attempt to retain LeBron and even pursue Bronny to bolster their case, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski hints otherwise. In a recent episode, he stated, “The Lakers are not a developmental program; they are a win-now program.”
“The Lakers are not a developmental program, they are a win-now program.”
– @wojespn on the Lakers potentially drafting Bronny James
(Via @ESPNNBA ) pic.twitter.com/Tn1QchSler
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 22, 2024
Bronny’s season with USC is going through waves. With that, it is unsure where he would land if he entered the draft. Since the season is not over, he can work to enhance his draft value. Regardless, if the Lakers aim to keep James, they need Bronny and a successful outcome to the current season.
At this point, only time will reveal how this situation unfolds for the purple and gold. However, Adrian’s summary of the Lakers’ approach slightly shifts the perspective on James’ future.
Fans have mixed feelings about LeBron James’ future in LA
The unexpected revelation by Adrian has taken Lakers fans by surprise. Even before the regular season nears the playoffs, emotions are running high on social media as fans share their thoughts on the franchise’s future.
@CGBBURNER swiftly pointed out the potential scenario of a LeBron-less Lakers, affirming, “So this all but confirms Lebron is leaving the Lakers after this season.”
Countering Woj’s statement, @LakerFan1234000 highlighted the Lakers’ move in the 2023 drafts, where they selected the 20-year-old Jalen Hood Schifino.
@OriginalXXIX directly challenged the Insider’s comment, asserting that his insights from the Lakers environment lack credibility.
@ESPNneedsIKD suggested that LeBron’s presence transforms the Lakers into a win-now team. The fan also proposed that the Lakers could retain James by drafting Bronny.
With that, @2INTL4U suggested that LeBron might eventually end up with the San Antonio Spurs as they will draft Bronny.
Throughout the years, through watching and facing the Spurs in the finals, James has consistently expressed a remarkable level of admiration for coach Gregg Popovich. So, if he were to join the Spurs, it could fulfill more than just one of James’ dreams.