Locked On Lakers podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA. Hosts Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, who have covered the Purple and Gold since 2005 for media outlets including the LA Times, ESPN and The Athletic, offer traditional journalism, informal commentary, and offbeat humor to provide expert, local analysis. Locked On Lakers takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Lakers locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Lakers podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
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episode 1462: Will LeBron James Sign a Contract Extension with the Lakers Quickly, Or Will He Make Them Wait?
With all the conversation about roster building and trades, especially trades involving Russell Westbrook that are yet to happen, one bit of critical housekeeping has received at least a little less attention. LeBron James is eligible for a two-year extension starting on August 4th. The Lakers are expected to quickly get the offer out there, but nobody is quite sure yet if/when James might accept it. He has options - he can sign for one additional year, two additional years (or perhaps one and an option year) or just become a free agent after this season.
Obviously his decision has a massive influence on the direction of the franchise going forward.
So what is James going to do? Reports suggest he and his family are very happy in Los Angeles, and at the least, aren't angry with the Lakers. But on the other... I think we can all agree that at least right now, the Lakers can't be considered high-end contenders in the Western Conference. Historically, when James feels like he can't win, he puts pressure on his team to either fix that, or finds a new team to play for where winning can happen.
But he's 37 now. So do the same rules apply? Is he really interested in exerting leverage in the same ways? How would the Lakers, and the league, respond if he tried? These questions and more as we set the stage for the start of James Extension Talk, which could last into training camp, or even through the season.
Plus... Is Dwight Howard's next move the WWE?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The LeBron Extension can happen this week. Why his happiness in the city of LA is a potentially underrated factor in discussing what he'll do.
SEGMENT 2: How much leverage does James have over the Lakers? Do the Lakers have any real option other than offering the extension and hoping he accepts?
SEGMENT 3: LeBron's self-awareness works to the team's advantage. Any shot he takes a little less money? Plus, is Dwight Howard the WWE's next star?
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