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[Saba Sports News] LeBron James wants the Los Angeles Lakers to improve this offseason and is reportedly willing to take a pay cut under certain circumstances.
A report published on Saturday stated that James would accept less than the maximum amount if the Lakers added specific players, including James Harden, Klay Thompson, and Jonas Valanciunas. Although these players are no longer available, James still has interest in DeMar DeRozan.
On Monday’s episode of “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective,” Windhorst mentioned DeRozan is likely on James’ list and hinted there may be other players James would take a cut for.
James could sign a 3-year, $162 million max contract with the Lakers but is open to a reduced amount to allow the Lakers the full mid-level exception of $12.9 million.
DeRozan, an unrestricted free agent after completing his 3-year, $81.9 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season. The 34-year-old has six All-Star selections, including two with the Bulls. The Bulls went 39-43 last season.
The Lakers have agreed to a deal with Max Christie in free agency, and D’Angelo Russell and Jaxson Hayes have exercised their player options to return next season.