LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is once again under the microscope, and this time it’s one of his former teammates stirring the pot.
Udonis Haslem didn’t hold back when assessing the Lakers’ current roster and what it means for the 40-year-old LeBron, speaking on ESPN’s NBA Today.
“I don’t give a damn who they bring to LA. That is not a championship roster right now with the LA Lakers,” Haslem said. “If LeBron James wants to put himself in the championship situation, it has to be another opportunity out there that he needs to look for.”
LeBron remains one of the league’s top players despite his age. But, with his contract situation uncertain beyond this season, speculation is swirling about whether the Lakers or James will want to continue their partnership.
Haslem, a key piece of Miami’s title runs alongside Bron, even hinted at a possible Heat reunion.
“I do know a place where he is welcomed, and he will always be welcomed,” Haslem said. “Just to put that out there.”
Still, any move to Miami seems unlikely given their current roster. The Heat lack the depth to compete, and trading for James would almost certainly require sending All-Star center Bam Adebayo to LA.
Meanwhile, some believe the Lakers are making a mistake even entertaining the idea of moving on from James.
“I don’t know why the Lakers seem to be in a rush to get out of the LeBron James business,” Fox Sports’ Nick Wright said on First Things First. “I don’t expect the Lakers to find a player better than LeBron James to replace LeBron James this year or next year.”
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