Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will soon be an unrestricted free agent after completing his eighth season with the team. According to reports, the Lakers and James have had minimal communication since the NBA opened its negotiation window for all teams.
However, five-time NBA champion Michael Cooper believes James will return to Los Angeles to help the Lakers win their 18th NBA title, tying the Boston Celtics for the most championships.
Michael Cooper Believes LeBron James Will Stay With the Lakers
Cooper, who played for the Lakers from 1978 to 1990 and was among the era’s best defenders, expects James to re-sign with Los Angeles in the offseason. He hopes both sides will reach a lucrative deal next month, enabling the 41-year-old superstar to return for a ninth season with the purple and gold.
The two-time WNBA champion coach and Hall of Fame inductee noted that James’ health would be a decisive factor in determining the terms of his new contract. He said that, as a fan, he will enjoy James’ time with the Lakers, since the forward is not getting any younger.
“I’m gonna enjoy him for the moment that he’s here. I know he’s feeling good. He’s a player who takes great care of his body, spends a lot of money on his health and mental health, and so when he comes back this season, I’m just going to enjoy him this year,” he said.
“We’re trying to get some championships so we can tie that dreaded Boston Celtics franchise at 18,” the 70-year-old quipped.
Cooper, who earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in the 1986-87 season, urged the Lakers’ coaching staff and executives to sign quality role players who would make meaningful contributions to the lineup, on offense or defense.
“I think we need our scouts to really do their job and get out there and scout overseas players, scout these young players, college players, and the players in the G League, and find that one or two players that can come in and be the utility piece,’ he said.
“Whether he’s solid on defense, is a solid jump shooter, or has to be a solid team player – both aspects – the Lakers will be back in the mix again.”
Last season, James played 60 games for the Lakers and averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. He helped the team win the Pacific Division title and secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
They beat the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs despite Luka Dončić’s injury-related absence. The Lakers’ run ended in the second round, when they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
