A $16 Million Pay Cut: Klay and Harden to Join the Lakers’ New Big Four?

As the NBA free agency period rapidly approaches, significant player movements and contract decisions are starting to shape the landscape. One of the most headline-grabbing developments is LeBron James' decision to decline his $51.4 million player option, opting to become a free agent. According to Shams Charania, James is expected to sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Previous reports indicated that the Lakers are willing to offer James any contract he desires, with the maximum being a three-year, $162 million deal including a no-trade clause.

Despite being 39 years old, James continues to defy age with stellar performances. Last season, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, shooting an impressive 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free-throw line, culminating in a true shooting percentage of 63.0%. Remarkably, he posted a career-high three-point shooting percentage and was named to an All-NBA Team.

Given James' longevity, discipline, and the immense value he brings to the franchise both on and off the court, offering him a max contract seems justified. However, reports from Chris Haynes suggest that James is considering taking a pay cut to allow the Lakers to use the full mid-level exception (approximately $12.95 million) to attract significant free agents. James' agent, Rich Paul, has confirmed that James prioritizes roster improvement and is open to adjusting his contract to accommodate an impactful addition to the team.

For the Lakers to utilize the full mid-level exception without hitting the hard cap, James would need to take a pay cut of about $16 million for the upcoming season, amounting to nearly $52 million over three years. While James certainly isn't hurting for money, such a sacrifice is considerable.

The big question is, who are these impactful players that could convince James to make such a financial concession? According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, experienced veterans like James Harden and Klay Thompson, or a reliable big man like Jonas Valančiūnas, could meet James' criteria.

Klay Thompson’s potential move to the Lakers seems increasingly plausible. Shams Charania has reported that the Golden State Warriors are preparing for the possibility of losing Thompson in free agency. Over the past two weeks, there has been little communication or offers exchanged between the Warriors and Thompson, leading both sides to believe that their 13-year partnership might be coming to an end. Thompson’s longtime trainer, Jordan Lawley, even posted a farewell message on social media, signaling the end of an era.

Several teams, including the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets, have expressed interest in Thompson. Los Angeles holds particular appeal for Thompson, as it is his hometown, and his father, Mychal Thompson, played for the Lakers and served as a broadcaster for the team. Mychal has openly expressed his desire to see his son in a Lakers jersey. Back in 2019, there were rumors that Thompson wanted to join the Lakers if the Warriors did not offer him a max contract. Ultimately, the Warriors did extend the max offer, and Thompson stayed, helping the team win a championship in 2022. However, current indications suggest that Thompson could leave the Warriors this time, with his destination possibly determined by the highest offer.

James Harden's situation is also intriguing. Following the Clippers' playoff elimination, there has been little news about Harden, suggesting that re-signing Paul George is the Clippers' top priority rather than Harden. Given Harden’s tumultuous past few seasons and his propensity for unexpected moves during free agency, a mid-level exception deal with the Lakers is not out of the realm of possibility.

A scenario where the Lakers sign Harden using the mid-level exception and acquire Thompson through a sign-and-trade deal is conceivable, though it would likely require the Lakers to part with D'Angelo Russell and some draft assets. Additionally, James might need to take an even larger pay cut. This would result in a formidable starting lineup of Harden, Austin Reaves, Thompson, James, and Anthony Davis. Such a lineup would undoubtedly generate immense attention and excitement.

However, the pursuit of veteran stars raises questions about the Lakers' strategy. The team previously failed with similar approaches in 2021 and 2022, forming rosters filled with aging stars that fell short of expectations. While a peak-level Harden and Thompson teaming up with James and Davis would be a dream scenario, the current versions of these players may not be as effective.

As the free agency period unfolds, the Lakers' front office must carefully consider their moves. Balancing the desire to add star power with the need for a cohesive, well-rounded team is critical. LeBron James' willingness to take a pay cut is a significant gesture, but the Lakers must ensure that their roster decisions align with their long-term goals and championship aspirations. The potential additions of Klay Thompson and James Harden could reshape the team’s future, but the ultimate success of these moves remains uncertain.