The Los Angeles Lakers made it official the other day when they re-signed LeBron James to a two-year, $97.1 million extension.
That was undoubtedly good news for LA seeing as how James is still putting up jaw-dropping numbers as he enters his 20th season in the NBA.
On the surface, the deal looked pretty cut-and-dry and easy to understand.
But digging deeper, you see that the Lakers were rather smart about things.
The timing of LeBron James' extension is significant as he is now trade restricted until February 17th, 2023. With an expected trade deadline of February 9th, this means James won't be eligible to be traded until after the 22-23 season.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) August 17, 2022
James is now trade restricted until February 17, 2023.
But with the expected trade deadline of February 9 coming just a week before that date, James actually won’t be able to be traded until after the 2022-23 season.
This was smart thinking from LA and secures their most important superstar.
Lakers Love LeBron
Everyone – even the most diehard Lakers hater – agrees that James had a very good 2021-22 season.
He averaged more than 30 points and was breaking records left and right.
There is no doubt that he’s the most important part of his troubled team and they will not do well without him by their side.
The team is focusing on getting the rest of the team in working order and coming together like an actual unit in which all the pieces complement one another.
The Lakers really need a few things in the upcoming season: James to stay as good as he has been, Anthony Davis to remain healthy, Russell Westbrook to either figure himself out or accept a limited role, and the rest of the team’s young squad to fit in where they are needed.
That’s a lot for any team, especially one that was so dysfunctional last season.
The good news is that they know James isn’t leaving any time soon.
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