Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James could significantly help the team if he were to take a pay cut this summer.

The news of James returning places even more pressure on the Lakers to upgrade their roster this offseason in pursuit of a championship, particularly at the center position. Playing without a traditional center behind James and Doncic in the playoffs allowed opponents like Rudy Gobert to exploit the interior, especially in Game 5.

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In the playoffs, the Lakers struggled defensively. They also clearly needed a legitimate starting center. Both of those issues will need to be addressed. One major rumor that has

T he Los Angeles Lakers are going to be active this summer on the trade market, scouring the league to find the right center to pair with Luke Dončić and LeBron James after fail