The Lakers have finally begun to make big moves, Vogel's departure is only the first step, James and thick eyebrows stay in the team is basically no suspense, how to deal with Westbrook will be the focus of the offseason. However, the Lakers should not come up with the most valuable first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 when they carry out any plan, which means that many rebuilding teams are basically not within the scope of the Lakers' deal negotiations. Now that there's a voice coming out, the Lakers can try to keep the Big Three, let them work together for an extra season, and then wait for James and Westbrook's contracts to expire at the same time, freeing up more than $100 million in salary space.
What are the benefits of such an operation? Combined with some reporters' reports, the Lakers are waiting for a most valuable player to join, and this player is Jokic. In 2024, Jokic's contract also expired, and after becoming a free agent, the Lakers should not have a problem signing with Jokic. Personally, I agree with the Lakers' plan, and here are some of my views. You may first question the veracity of the news, but we can't guarantee that this operation will not happen, so we should objectively analyze whether such an approach is reasonable and feasible.
First, Jokic is likely to win the title of most valuable player in the regular season again, and the next step should be to pursue championship honors. If you stay in the Nuggets, it seems difficult to achieve the dream of winning the championship, far from it, take this season, Jokic's play is perfect, but his two good partners Murray and Porter Jr. are difficult to return in the playoffs, how can such a Nuggets complete the championship victory this season? Therefore, jokic wants to win the championship, the only way is to leave the team, the best choice is to become a free agent, personally choose the future, then only need to see which team has the strength to win the championship, join.
Second, the time for the Lakers to rebuild the team should also be in 2024, James and Westbrook can leave the team, the thick eyebrows are not too old, or can be retained. As a big city team, the Lakers need a new leader to succeed James, and Jokic is one of them. At that time, the Lakers with so much salary space can not only get Jokic, but also introduce an all-star player, and the new big three lineup will impact the championship, which should be expected. Therefore, Jokic should not be difficult to make a choice, and can also serve as the first core of the Lakers, without having to be subordinate to others, which is also very attractive.
Third, Jokic should not pay much attention to the gap in the top salary contract, why say so, if he chooses to renew his contract with the Nuggets in the following offseason, he can get 270 million US dollars for 5 years. But if after becoming a free agent, he can only sign a five-year, $250 million contract at most, the Lakers can certainly provide such treatment, and Jokic will not care about these small gaps, the championship is what he cares about most. Personally, I think that if the Lakers really choose to wait for Jokic, it is worth it, and the feasibility is also there. Then, the Lakers do not have too many trading operations in the next offseason, and it is understandable that the record of next season does not have to look forward to too much, but can look forward to the rebuilt Lakers.