Analysis: Is LeBron James still willing to accept salary cuts to help the Lakers compete for the championship?

After the Lakers lost five straight to the Timberwolves, people began to question whether LeBron James would be willing to accept a salary cut.

LeBron James, 40, still played a great season despite the Lakers losing to the Timberwolves in the first round. In his 22nd season, LeBron played a different role and acted more as a substitute. He first followed Anthony Davis's advice and then Luca Doncic's advice. He also strengthened his defensive strength, and as the leader of the Lakers' defensive offense, he changed the direction of the game. However, as the offseason approaches, questions about James' future and whether the Lakers have enough strength to build a competitive team are still lingering.

James will almost certainly make a comeback to start his record-breaking 23rd NBA season, but the question is whether he will accept a salary cut in the offseason to help the Lakers bring in more key players and further build a winning team with him and Luka Doncic as the core.

Bleacher Report's Jack Fischer talks about these possibilities in the latest issue of NBA Insider Playbook.

"I think the biggest question is, how will LeBron James deal with his player options? He has a potential $54 million player option, and LeBron has already released news last summer. I heard directly from Ritchie Paul that there are players, like Klay Thompson, we heard about Jonas Valanciunas, and even James Harden, who LeBron is willing to cut his salary to increase the salary of those players. I mean, Klay Thompson seems to be the number one target they really want, and LeBron is willing to cut his salary for that."

Fischer continued: "I don't know if this will be a topic this summer. I'm definitely going to ask Klutch and the people around LeBron because if LeBron really wants to win the championship with his current team-building strategy, plus he has the aprons and things around him, plus the billionaire who openly lobbies Adam Silver to give him a startup team, a Las Vegas-based expansion team, he has enough flexibility to accept a lower salary."

Fisher is right, James is willing to accept a salary cut in exchange for another influential player, which further enhances their chances as contenders. But the Lakers failed to get key players like Klay Thompson or James Harden, and LeBron James decided to take his full salary.

Perhaps the same conversation will happen this year, as James can help the Lakers make room to sign players like current Indiana Pacers center Miles Turner, or sign another huge sign that can further enhance the team's competitiveness while preparing for the future.