The Los Angeles Lakers should take note of LeBron James’ recent MVP performance in the Olympics, where he proved that age is no obstacle to dominance. At 39, LeBron led Team USA to a gold medal, showcasing the same unstoppable vision, force, and will to win that has brought success to the Lakers, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
His performance was a reminder that James is still capable of being the best player on the planet, and the Lakers’ front office needs to take advantage of his remaining years by upgrading the roster around him.
Despite James’ continued greatness, the Lakers have had a quiet offseason. Outside of hiring JJ Redick as a coach and drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, the team hasn’t made significant changes.
This inactivity is disappointing considering the Lakers lost 35 games last season and were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. Failing to make moves to support LeBron in the twilight of his career is a missed opportunity to capitalize on his enduring skills and competitiveness.
The Lakers are not without resources to improve the team. They have future first-round picks and young prospects that could be used in trades, along with players like D’Angelo Russell, who could be part of a deal.
Although Russell has limitations on defense, his expiring $18.7 million contract could help facilitate a trade for valuable role players. A potential trade constructed by B/R’s Eric Pincus, for example, would bring in Tre Mann, Nick Richards, and trade exceptions, while freeing up cap space for someone like Markelle Fultz.
If the Lakers are more ambitious, they could package Russell’s contract with another sizable salary to pursue a bigger star, such as Jerami Grant or Trae Young.
Acquiring a player who can make an immediate impact would be essential for supporting LeBron, giving the team a better chance to compete for a championship. These moves are necessary to maximize the team’s potential during LeBron’s remaining time in the league.
Ultimately, the Lakers need to act urgently to surround LeBron with the best possible supporting cast. Even though he continues to defy expectations, his window for championship contention is closing. The Lakers must recognize his greatness and do everything in their power to make the most of his final years, rather than taking his contributions for granted.
