Lakers facing difficult financial balancing act with LeBron James

“Can the Lakers afford to bring back James on a $50 million salary and still be in a position to bolster their roster?” Marks wrote. “That answer is a resounding no.”

Marks pointed out that James still performed at an elite level this season despite turning 41. He earned his 23rd straight All-Star selection and continued stuffing the stat sheet, averaging at least 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists for a third consecutive year.

The Lakers also went 15-4 after March 1 in games James played, and he remained one of the league’s most dangerous transition scorers.

“We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game,” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said.

According to Marks, a reduced salary for James could allow the Lakers to retain players like Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura while still using their full midlevel exception to improve the roster.

Otherwise, things become a lot trickier financially, especially with Austin Reaves also due for a new contract.

As for outside possibilities, Marks listed the Cavaliers, Spurs, Nuggets and Warriors as intriguing fits. Realistically, though, those teams would only have the veteran minimum available.

But from the sounds of things, James sounds in no rush to make a decision.

“I’m still in the moment of just taking my time,” he said recently on his Mind the Game podcast. “I haven’t even really thought about it too much.”

Maybe that changes soon. Maybe it doesn’t.

Either way, the Lakers’ entire offseason probably hinges on what LeBron decides next.