AROUND the NBA:

[KillerLeft]

So are we sure this is Lebron's last year in LAL?   I am sure his feelings are hurt a little.   For years he was everyone's north star but he is not that now.  He is still damn good.   I am not sure he is a guy you cant count on for a long regular season or be the "man" in a long playoff series, but that doesn't take anything away from him being really good.   How long can he keep this level of play up?  The concern is that in time he will have a steep decline.  We really haven't seen it yet.   

What type of money is he looking for after next year?  Most of the contenders really don't have money.   Would an extension with the Lakers for 20-25 million be the best option?  Especially if Luka is a top 3 player.  Maybe they extend Reaves and potentially Ayton. Would they have more money to fill in the gaps with another 1-2 good players?  This may be the easiest option for LAL to be a contender, rather than letting James walk and trying to fill in with his role.    Tough to find a guy who can do what Lebron does.

Just something to watch.   It will be a tricky balance by all parties.

I think it's absolutely his last year in LA. I think they have decided that, whether he wants to stay or not, hence the decision not to offer the 1+1 he wanted. The question is: will he play somewhere else just to continue playing, or will he choose to retire, as if it's on his own terms?