The NBA Draft is upon us and – as usual – rumors are flying.
While the 2024 draft class is viewed as one of the worst in recent years, there are still more than a few prospects who are capable of turning a franchise around.
Unlike some years, there’s a major split opinion over who will be selected first overall.
As we head deeper into the NBA offseason, there will surely be the usual madness when it comes to trades and free agency.
After all, there are certainly some people who find the offseason movement even more entertaining than actual regular season games.
The New York Knicks made a splash last night when they acquired yet another Villanova Wildcat – Mikal Bridges – in a trade with the rival Brooklyn Nets.
Another major storyline this offseason surrounds none other than LeBron James.
James could choose to decline his $51.4 million player option before this Sunday’s deadline.
While most expect him to stay in Los Angeles on a reworked deal – especially after the Lakers hired his buddy JJ Redick – there are reports that he’s open to “taking his talents” to yet another franchise.
There are rumors that James might be open to teaming up with Kevin Durant in Phoenix.
There are also rumors that James could be interesting in joining the Golden State Warriors in an attempt to revitalizing their fading dynasty.
Former Warriors great Andre Iguodala, a pivotal figure in the Golden State’s recent string of success, expressed skepticism about James forming a “super team” with Steph Curry.
This doubt arises primarily due to James approaching his 40th birthday later this year.
During an episode of his Point Forward podcast with Evan Turner, Iguodala remarked that the combination of Curry and an aging LeBron would face significant challenges to be considered a super team.
“Bron’s 40 years old, so I’m not considering that a super team. They got to get everything out of themselves, every ounce to get there,” Iguodala stated.
Reflecting on the past Warriors’ super team that included Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, Iguodala noted their dominance, even on off days.
“Our super team was like, man, we can play B-minus we still gonna win. We can play C-plus we still gonna win,” he recalled.
Reports indicate that James is expected to decline his $51,415,938 player option for the 2024-25 season, thereby becoming a free agent.
The move would enable him to sign a projected three-year deal worth nearly $161.2 million with the Lakers.
As an unrestricted free agent, James could also choose to join any team, potentially aligning with the team that drafts his son, Bronny James, provided they have the necessary cap space.
Of course, the topic of Bronny is a very controversial one.
Virtually every talent evaluator feels that he’s nowhere near ready for the NBA and think it was foolish for him to leave college.
If James wasn’t his last name, it’s a near-certainty that Bronny would go undrafted.
But the fact of the matter is Bronny is LeBron’s son. In other words, you can basically guarantee that the Lakers will be selecting him in the draft.
What are your thoughts on LeBron’s future?
Do you buy any of the rumors that he’s interested in Phoenix and/or Golden State? … Or do you think that’s all one big leverage play to get what he wants in LA?
What are your feelings on Bronny? … How do you envision his NBA career playing out?
At the end of the day, assuming James stays with the Lakers, do you see LA winning any more championships before he finally retires???