Where the Lakers Right in Not Giving an NBA Legend a Contract Extension?

In the last few days, it was rumored that LeBron James wanted a contract extension before opting in to his existing contract. According to reports, the Lakers refused to give James a contract extension, something he was expecting to happen. Where the Lakers' right to do this is the question many Laker fans have been asking? The answer is both a yes and a no. There are many factors to consider, the first being the most obvious one.

LeBron turns 41 in December. While still performing at an elite level and being one of the best players in the league, King James has lost a step in his athletic ability. He doesn't get as high up as he used to, and he is getting injured a lot more frequently than he used to. While it would be unheard of for Lebron at any age, let alone in his last few years of his career, to play overseas, Many people think he will either retire as a Lakers or somehow retire as a Cavalier, where it all began. What the Lakers also did by not extending LeBron is also a signal of what they did during the trade deadline. Signal that it is Luka Doncic's team now, and LeBron is the second in command. 

The Lakers now have more salary cap space for next offseason, just in case this is Lebron's final season or he leaves. That way, they can completely build around Luka and his needs, and attract another all-star to join Luka on the Lakers. The biggest reason why the Lakers were right was because of the pressure they put on both parties. On LeBron's end, if he wants to continue playing after this season, he needs to prove he still can do it at a high level. No one will sign LeBron if he can only offer 20% of what he used to be or if he suffers another devastating injury. On the Lakers' side, if this is LeBron's final year, it puts pressure on the entire organization to win one last time with him before he retires. For these reasons, given the expectation and pressure, it was the right move to make.