"LeBron is building $100 million compound in Beverley Hills" - NBA Insider reveals 3 reasons why LeBron James will stay put with Lakers
Following a report that has since gone viral, LeBron James has become the most talked about player leading up to the NBA trade deadline. As the topic continues to make rounds online and in the media, one insider laid out why such a move is not happening.
On ESPN's "First Take," Brian Windhorst gave his thoughts on the LeBron trade rumors on why the 20-time All-Star is not going to depart the LA Lakers.
"I'm just going to say three facts," Windhorst said. "1, LeBron is building a $100 million compound in Beverly Hills. 2, that option for next year for LeBron is $50 million, five-zero. And 3, LeBron's opt-in deadline is June 29th. The draft is June 26th-27th."
The NBA draft is important for LeBron James, as his oldest son could be in the mix. Over the last few years, the Lakers forward has made it clear that he wants to play alongside Bronny James in the NBA.
Despite the Lakers' struggles, LeBron has said that he has no plans on leaving LA at the moment. On ESPN, his agent Rich Paul recently set the record straight on the latest rumors.
Stephen A. Smith wants to see LeBron James land with Eastern Conference team
Before Brian Windhorst shared his thoughts on LeBron James leaving the LA Lakers, Stephen A. Smith decided to chime in. Never shy about his fandom of the New York Knicks, he pleaded his case for the star forward to come to MSG.
"LeBron going from Crypto.com arena to Madison Square Garden. Yo bro, LBJ baby what's up? It's organge and blue skies baby," Stephen A. said.
Over the last month, the Knicks have continued to rise up the Eastern Conference standings. They are also one of the hottest teams, winning their ninth straight game.
Since trading for OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks have looked like a top tier team in the East. Along with having an elite-level perimeter defender, they are led by a pair of star-level players.
After being named to his first All-Star team Thursday, Jalen Brunson scored 40 points on the Indiana Pacers.
Sitting at 32-17 on the season, the Knicks are third in the standings. While they parted with multiple key pieces to acquire Anunobdy, New York still has assets to pull off another trade.
At this time, it's clear LeBron James has no intentions of leaving LA. Nevertheless, if he were to have a change of heart, the Knicks would ve an interesting landing spot. Bringing in a star of LeBron's caliber would instantly put them in the title conversation.