LAKERS NEWS: LEBRON JAMES GIVES LAKERS LIST OF FREE AGENTS FOR WHOM HE WOULD TAKE A PAY CUT

LeBron James is willing to take a pay cut to help the Los Angeles Lakers sign key free agents. The 20-time All-Star has communicated through his agent, Rich Paul, that he would accept less than the maximum $162 million deal he could sign this summer. This move aims to give the Lakers more flexibility to add veteran talent using a non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, two of James' preferred targets are already off the market. Jonas Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, and James Harden secured a two-year, $70 million contract with the L.A. Clippers. The Lakers are still in the hunt for Klay Thompson, who is also being pursued by the Dallas Mavericks. Another name on James' list is DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star currently with the Chicago Bulls.

Related: Lakers News: Lakers ponder potential blockbuster trades with future first-round draft picks

The Lakers' free agency period has been relatively quiet, with their most notable move being the signing of restricted free agent Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract. James' willingness to take a pay cut could be a game-changer, allowing the Lakers to strengthen their roster with high-level talent.

2024-07-02T23:33:43Z dg43tfdfdgfd