NBA Rumors: Eastern Conference heavyweight favorites to land LeBron James in a Lakers exit
As the Lakers' season came to a close last night, LeBron James has a lot to ponder regarding his future in the league. During his post-game interview, James spoke to the media to address his plans before the next season begins.
"I'm simply not sure if I'll be back in the fall when the season begins," James said. "I have a lot to think about. Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about."
Due to LeBron's open-ended statements, rumors have started to circulate online. According to "BetOnline.ag," the New York Knicks are the favorites for LeBron James' new destination spot, in the scenario that he departs from the Lakers.
LeBron will become a free agent in the summer with an expected number of teams primed to make offers. James' long-term status will be added to the Lakers' offseason agendas of contract extensions and negotiations.
Landing with the New York Knicks is an interesting scenario for the Lakers' forward. The Knicks are fresh off a second-round loss to the Miami Heat and could use an upgrade at the wing/forward position. A pair-up between Jalen Brunson and LeBron James, alongside the Knicks' defense, can make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
In his four seasons with the Lakers, LeBron James averaged 27.4 points (50.7% shooting, including 34.6% from 3-point range), 8.0 assists and 8.1 rebounds. His first season playing with Anthony Davis resulted in a championship during the 2020 playoffs.
However, the two following seasons resulted in a first-round exit and losing in the play-in tournament. This latest season of LeBron James with the Lakers involved a big turnaround mid-way into the season. After the acquisition of D'Angelo Russell, James Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura in the trade deadline, including Austin Reaves' improvement, the season became a success.
LeBron James' numbers in his 20th season
LeBron James, who is 38 years old, has managed to surpass expectations at this stage in his career. He finished the season averaging 28.9 ppg (50.0% shooting, including 32.1% from 3-point range), 8.3 rpg and 6.8 apg.
James also showed flashes of his young former self in the postseason run, which started when he eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies in six games. LeBron averaged 22.2 ppg (48.6% shooting), 11.2 rpg and 5.2 apg.
During the star-studded matchup against the Golden State Warriors, James showcased arguably his best playoff series in this postseason run. He averaged 24.7 ppg (49.5% shooting, including 33.3% from 3-point range), 8.8 rpg and 5.5 apg.
Even though he ended up getting swept by Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, LeBron still put up some decent numbers. He averaged 27.8 ppg (51.9% shooting), 10.0 apg and 9.5 rpg.
During the Nuggets' closeout game, James showed up with 40 points (15-of-25 shooting, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range), 10 rebounds and 9 assists. It was not enough to extend the series but the 19-time All-Star went out swinging.