Normally when you hear the words “Striking Out” it’s a phrase used mainly in baseball. When it’s talked about in NBA circles its more so nothing is really being done and for Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers that is exactly the case.

Pelinka and the Lakers Front Office told media and fans back after trade deadline that they held off from trading off any assets to get to the summer and use 3 first round picks they would have at their disposal. Instead, the Lakers have sat out basically all of Free Agency and have watched their counterparts in the Thunder, Warriors, and Clippers all make moves while they have stood pat.

So far, the Lakers big moves are resigning Max Christie who should get more playing time and increased role and LeBron James inked an essentially 1 + 1 deal for $50 million on the books before deciding about next season. James doesn’t have much time left to give and Lakers patience might wear him thin. There is a rumored deal, which several “sources” have confirmed, but the Lakers have not. That Jame’s contract is for 2 years and worth $104 Million dollars.

James had several options this season offseason. He could have exercised the player option on the second and final season ($51.4 million in 2024-25) of the two-year, $99 million contract he signed a year ago. Had he done that he would have been extension eligible Aug. 18, and could’ve signed a two-year extension with the Lakers, giving him the equivalent of a three-year, $164 million deal. That option was the most lucrative financially, but according to the many sources, he choose playing with his son over the extra $60 million. By opting out of his contract, becoming a free agent and re-signing with the Lakers, James was able to negotiate a no-trade clause into his new contract. That will guarantee him at least one year of playing on the same court with his son.

James has also hinted publicly that he is willing to take less in his contract if the Lakers would sign additional player(s) that would help them have an increased chance to reach the Finals. Which may be why the rumored contract has not been made official.

The Lakers did also sign Bronny James to a contract. Los Angeles did confirm in a press release saying they had signed him, with no financial numbers attached to the release. It was later reported that the contract was for 4 years and $7.9 million.

Sure, the Lakers hired a new coach in JJ Redick who hopes to maximize the roster better than Darvin Ham but hope can get you into trouble. The Lakers have re-signed 2 players and added a rookie that was not good enough to be in the starting 5 at USC. The Western Conference is so daunting that being patient might be a luxury the Lakers can’t afford. I guess it’s all just a wait and see what happens in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit; USA Today, Front Office Sports

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