Rich Paul Says LeBron is Generating Interest from Contenders. Why That's Good for the Lakers

The arc of LeBron James with the Lakers over the last nine months or so has been quite interesting, from the moment he picked up his option but neither side seemed (at least for the public) to be interested in a contract extension. 

There were comments from Rich Paul about monitoring the situation, and then about the supporting cast, and (relative to his standard) poor play from James when he came back from early season injury. But in the end, LeBron made an All-Star team, found a role that seemed to suit him and the team well, and thrived over the second half of the season. 

Now it seems like James is more likely to return to the Lakers than not, but that's not yet guaranteed by any stretch. Paul noted earlier this week that contenders are reaching out to inquire about James, and while most of those teams can't offer James anything beyond an exception without jettisoning players, this level of interest could help open up avenues for the Lakers to improve should a) LeBron want to go somewhere else and b) want a little more money in the process. 

Could a trade happen? It would be very difficult to put together, but more interest does open more possibilities. 

And big picture, the idea that if LeBron goes the Lakers would want to make sure they get at least something out of the deal reinforces the larger importance of maximizing assets. 

If the Lakers want a shot at closing the gap between themselves and the Spurs/Thunder, they simply can't afford to mismanage any assets or opportunities they have. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

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