Don t forget to dig the well when drinking water. Please give James the last dignity. The famous reporter pointed out the Lakers top priority.

After the famous reporter Vogun announced his retirement, his beloved disciple Shams Charania became the only existence in NBA coverage. Recently, the top ESPN reporter participated in the podcast "The Pat McAfee Show" and talked about the future of the Lakers and LeBron James. Shams said confidently that James will likely implement his $52.6 million player option next season.

For fans who are used to James' 1+1 contracts a year, this is quite surprising. After all, he can still contribute 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. Although there is a big gap from his peak, there is still oil in the fuel tank and has a certain game influence. What comes with it will bring a series of discussions. Shams revealed that the Lakers will consider continuing to build a lineup around James, making the team competitive, and giving James a certain right to speak in decision-making, but the Purple and Gold Army also has Doncic, the future star. How to balance it? This is a huge challenge.

Shames pointed out that before James chose to sign the Lakers, the Purple and Gold Army was at a low point and there was no hope of winning the championship. Although there were a group of young talents in the team, there was no existence that could be called the cornerstone. After James came, he brought the 17th championship trophy in team history to the Lakers. Although the team's record in his first season of joining did not improve compared to the previous season, that was because he suffered a groin injury. Before he fell, the young Lakers were once in the top four in the West, which were all changes.

So, it's not just Shams's idea. Normally, the Lakers' management should thank James for his efforts and contributions. The so-called "Digging the Well" should give this future NBA Hall of Fame member the last dignity and the respect he deserves. After all, Zhan has long lost his ambitions when he was young. He has already settled in Angel City, and his focus is slowly shifting to his family. As long as he can be stable and decent, there will be no excessive demand.

, and Shams also pointed out incisively that the so-called "balance between Zhan Dong" is not the main contradiction at the moment of the Lakers. They had failed to complete the Mark Williams deal before, which laid hidden dangers for the subsequent double towers that could not match the Timberwolves, and there was no way for Doncic, who was good at pick-and-roll, to exert his true strength, which caused considerable controversy. Therefore, the Lakers' top priority during the offseason is to find a reliable center and continue to strengthen the depth of the wing. Then ask Doncic and James how satisfied they are with the new lineup, and then consider the compatibility and future of the two.