Opposing Exec Thinks Sale Of Lakers Came At Right Time: ‘LeBron Is On Way Out’

One NBA executive thinks the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers came at a good time.

“(LeBron James) doesn’t have much more time in this league; he’s on his way out,” the exec told Hoops Wire. “Who knows where that franchise is headed, both from a competitive standpoint and what it will be worth in, say, five years, maybe even two years.

“So it’s good that they sold now. Get the maximum money while he’s still on the team and you still can.”

The Buss family, led by Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, sold their approximate 66% majority stake in the franchise to minority owner Mark Walter. The Lakers were valued at $10 billion in the sale.

While James still puts up fantastic numbers at age 40, time generally waits for no man. His legendary run will come to an end soon. As for next season, the opposing exec doesn’t think the Lakers will be much of a factor in the Western Conference.

“Not as currently constructed,” he said. “There’s still time for them to make some moves, and Luka Doncic always gives you a chance. But the West is stacked and they just don’t have the pieces. LeBron is at the stage where he should be less of a volume scorer and more of a third option. If they can find another player to be a second option, behind Luka, they may have something.”

The Lakers have lost in the first round in each of the past two seasons. They finished 50-32 this year before getting bounced by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

James averaged 24.4 points (the lowest since his rookie season), along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games.

ESPN reported that James and Doncic are excited about the sale.