Are The Milwaukee Bucks Trying To Acquire LeBron James? Will The Lakers Trade The King If He Refuses To Extend His Contract?

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have a lot on their play after their disappointing elimination from the Western Conference. The Lakers failed to make it to the playoffs, even with the likes of Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook on their roster. Although, LeBron had a brilliant season averaging 30.3 points with 8.2 rebounds and six assists in 56 games. The King recorded 21 double-doubles and six triple-doubles this season. However, the four-time MVP did not get any support from his fellow Lakers, which led to the team\’s downfall. As fans are already aware, James is 37-years-old, and he is headed towards the twilight of his career. He is two tiles and two Finals MVPs far from his childhood inspiration Micheal Jordan. 

After what happened with the Lakers this season, fans have urged the King to consider leaving the franchise and moving to a team that gives him a better chance of winning more championships. The 18-time NBA All-Star has one year left with the Lakers. His contract will end in 2023, and James will enter the free agency if he does not extend his stay at the Lakers. 

Recently, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley revealed that he and the Timberwolves might be interested in bringing LeBron James to the franchise. While talking on ESPN\’s \”Get Up,\” Beverley was asked if James would win more championships before he retires. Patrick thinks that James will win another NBA title. The 33-year-old shared that he also attempted to recruit James to Minnesota. The Timberwolves point guard talked about the benefits of living in Minnesota. He feels that the snow during the winters is great, and the taxes are much lower than in LA.

Will The Lakers Trade James This Summer?

The Lakers will have to trade LeBron if James and Beverley are to play together for Minnesota. However, Sam Amick has claimed that the lakers may not be willing to give up on James just as yet. The NBA Insider reported that if James decides not to extend his contract, Jeanie Buss might not be interested in letting the King play out his final season at the Lakers. Thus, the franchise might consider trading him. Without an extension, LeBron\’s current contract will expire after the next season, and the Lakers will pay him $47.1 million for it.

However, Brian Windhorst reported that James loves living in LA. He also believes that the Lakers can turn things around next season. His two sons also play high school basketball in Los Angeles. Despite the season\’s frustrations, LeBron feels that a few changes and bringing in some healthy and athletic players could make the team super competitive. 

The ESPN expert also wrote that James is invested and wants to continue to be a part of the Lakers. However, every franchise in the league would be interested in getting an in-form. And an experienced veterans like James and Beverley tried to do the same. But it seems like neither LeBron nor the Lakers are willing to let go. So, Patrick might have to play until 2023 to play with the Lakers legend on the same team.

Can Beverley Join The Lakers To Play With LeBron?

Beverly will become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. The native of Chicago shared that he would love to play alongside James before he retires. Beverley spent four seasons with the LA Clippers. So, the point guard could consider joining the Lakers in the summer of 2023 when he becomes a free agent. Patrick averaged 9.2 points with 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He shot 40.6 % from the field, 34.3% from beyond the arc, and 72.2% from the free throw line during the 2021-22 season. 

Moreover, the Minnesota star has scored 83 three-pointers with a defensive rating of 110.8. Thus, Patrick could come in handy with the Lakers due to his multifaceted game. In 526 games with the Houston Rockets, Clippers, and the Timberwolves, Patrick Beverly has averaged 8.8 points with 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while being a top-notch defensive player over the years.