Could LeBron James, Paul George and reigning Most Valuable Players Russell Westbrook all end up with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018? This could be possible, according to Matt Burke of Metro.us, as Westbrook still hasn’t signed his supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook signed a three-year contract extension worth $86 million in 2016 with the Thunder but he can opt out after this season, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2018. He is set to earn $28.5 million next season and $30.5 million in 2018.
Basically, Westbrook can eclipse the contract extension signed by James Harden with the Houston Rockets if he agrees to a fresh five-year deal worth $200 million.
Westbrook bagged the Most Valuable Player Award after becoming the second player to average a triple-double in the regular season.
The Thunder have until October 16 to sign Westbrook to a designated veteran extension. However, the delay can cause worry to the Thunder as the situation they had with Kevin Durant last season could happen again with Westbrook. Last season, Durant’s contract with the Thunder expired without him signing a contract extension. The development allowed Durant to become an unrestricted free agent and sign a contract with the Golden State Warriors, who went on to win the NBA title.
Thunder could lose Westbrook to free agency
Burke said the Thunder could end up losing both George and Westbrook, who can both jump to the Lakers and join James in forming a super team in Los Angeles.
The Thunder traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for George despite the fact that the former Indiana Pacers star has one year remaining in his contract. There were reports that George is set to join the Lakers in 2018.
The three superstars would have to take a significant pay cut for the super team to happen but for some players, winning is more important than a huge salary.
Durant accepted a $9 million salary cut to help the Warriors keep the core of their team. Also, playing in Los Angeles could open up endorsement opportunities for them that could help offset lost income.
Super team in Los Angeles earlier floated by columnist
Sports columnist and podcaster Bill Simmons earlier floated the possibility that James may form a super team with the Lakers, with DeMarcus Cousins, George and John Wall.
However, Wall recently signed a $170 million extension with the Washington Wizards. Cousins will become a free agent in 2018, giving him the option to sign with the Lakers or join his close friend Wall with the Wizards.
