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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James agreed Wednesday to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, but he is reportedly not happy with the state of the team.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, James “privately insists that the Lakers still need to improve their current roster and trade superstars. Point guard Kyrie Irving.”
Irving earned $36.9 million with the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the offseason dollar player option, but he remains the subject of trade speculation. Previous reports indicated that the Lakers and Nets were in talks at one point about a swap between Irving and point guard Russell Westbrook, who would make $47.1 million this season.
Buha pointed out that before James agreed to a contract extension, there were concerns that he might try to pressure the Lakers to make a move, but these Emotions eased Wednesday: “Some people think, James will likely avoid quickly signing a contract extension as leverage. James could “twist the Lakers’ proverbial arm and put pressure on a trade, similar to how he’s operated in the past. Instead, he’s committed to at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they trade the season fare. “
didn’t look like Irving in the trade Not imminent, it’s no surprise that James is focused on improving the Lakers. Los Angeles finished the playoffs with a disappointing 33-49 record last season and failed to make the playoffs. The team hired Darwin Hamm as New head coach, but the core of the roster remains the same as not many notable free agents have joined.
James and the Lakers will When the 2022-23 season kicks off against the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Oct. 18, hopefully the season starts on the right track.
