NBA Insider 'Sure' LeBron Will Have Shortlist of Players He'd Consider Lakers Pay Cut

Looking ahead to the summer and potential offseason moves for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James could once again have a decision to make about whether to take the max offer or help the team with financial flexibility.

On the latest episode of his YouTube show (starts at 60:50 mark), The Athletic's Jovan Buha said he's "sure" James will have a list of players he would consider taking a pay cut for to help the Lakers sign them.

The first order of business for the Lakers this summer will be Luka Dončić's contract. His situation is complicated by virtue of not being eligible for the supermax anymore, so there's some thought he could take a three-year extension with a player option for 2028-29 if he decides to extend with Los Angeles.

James could hit free agency again this summer by turning down his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26. When he was negotiating with the Lakers last offseason, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Dave McMenamin the future Hall of Famer was "prioritizing a roster improvement" and would sign for less than his max if it meant the team could sign an impact player.

Even though the Lakers were unable to add another impact player, James did end up giving back around $3 million to help give the organization flexibility under the second apron.

James and Dorian Finney-Smith, who has a $15.4 million player option, are the Lakers' key free agents this summer if they opt out. There aren't a lot of obvious free agents who would fit within Los Angeles' budget.

James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Khris Middleton and Julius Randle are at the top of the free-agent class. Myles Turner, who had been a popular trade target for the Lakers in the past, will likely be out of their price range since he's reportedly seeking a deal of at least $30 million this summer.

Of course, no one would have expected the Lakers to end up with Dončić in a trade, so you can never underestimate their ability to make a move.

James might be able to help the Lakers facilitate a deal by taking a reduced salary if he decides to opt out of his contract this summer. Whatever happens, it's shaping up to be a very busy offseason in Los Angeles.