Signing a 33-year-old player to a long-term deal may not be the smartest idea in todayâs NBA. Then again, LeBron James wasnât an average 33-year-old guy, which is why no one bat an eye when the Lakers did it.
Fast-forward to today and itâs safe to say that Jamesâ tenure in Southern California has been a bit of a roller coaster. Two seasons without even making the playoffs, one season as a play-in team, and an NBA championship in front of no fans.
And, while James shouldnât be blamed for most of their struggles, itâs clear that they need to start planning for the future. Anthony Davis canât stay healthy and they need another star. Thatâs why Jay Williams believes they should go after LaMelo Ball.
NBA Rumors: Jay Williams Says LaMelo Ball Should Be The Lakersâ Next Star Target
(Transcript via Fadeaway World)
âWhen I look at LaMelo Ball, year 5, three years of from, right? How old will LeBron James be in three years from now? What? 40-41? I look at that as a serious transition piece. Iâm telling when I look at LaMelo Ball, I see nothing but Purple and Gold. Itâs written over the way he dresses, the style in which he pulls up to games. It relates to his whole social media image, where heâs from and his dad has so much to do with how things are orchestrated even with Lonzo getting there the first time.â
Melo does, indeed, reek of Showtime. Heâs a big-time player whoâll eventually pursue a big-time market. He was born and raised in California and already knows the organization from within from Lonzoâs tenure with the Lakers.
Then again, heâs still under a rookie contract and the Charlotte Hornets will do whatever it takes to hold on to him for the long run. So as much as weâd love to see him in L.A., that doesnât seem likely right now.
