The Los Angeles Lakers are in for a long and hectic offseason.
The organization hopes to retain most, if not all, of its key players from the 2024-25 season, but Sports Illustrated’s Alex Kirschenbaum suggests that may not be possible.
Kirschenbaum believes LeBron James, the Lakers’ second-leading scorer, could leave Los Angeles for the New York Knicks this summer.
“The Knicks currently, improbably, lead the Boston Celtics 2-0 in their ongoing second-round playoff series, and could shockingly upset the reigning champs,” Kirschenbaum wrote Friday.
“But New York still has a major depth problem, with head coach Tom Thibodeau generally limiting his regular-season rotation to seven players and overplaying his top four.”
“In the playoffs, to his credit, Thibodeau is doing a better job of pacing his stars. But even if they beat Boston, can New York win two more playoff series en route to its first championship since 1973?”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“Adding James to its first five and relegating Josh Hart to the bench could hurt the club a little on defense, but would abet the team mightily on offense. He would have to take a severe discount here.”
The Knicks shocked the world by stealing the first two games of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Celtics. Boston continued to settle for triples despite being in complete control of both contests, allowing the Celtics to overcome two consecutive 20-point deficits.
The Knicks already possess a roster capable of competing for titles under Thibodeau, but landing James could pique their interest in free agency.
The most popular offseason prediction for James is that the 40-year-old star will decline his $52.6 million player option and sign a team-friendly deal with the Lakers.
Still, the NBA community could be in for a surprise move this summer. With a core of James, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, the Knicks would likely be favored to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA finals next season.
The Lakers must work overtime to keep James in Los Angeles and their title window open.
More NBA: LeBron James makes new announcement on retirement after Lakers’ early playoff exit
