Rich Paul: Lakers Not Contenders For LeBron James

Merlin sees Rich Paul bluntly tell listeners he does not "think the Lakers are good enough to be contenders right now." Paul balanced that realism with LeBron's drive, quoting that James "wants to compete for a championship" and "wants to make every season he has left count." Paul also pushed back on midseason movement, asking "Where's he going to go?" LeBron turns 41 soon, has a player option next spring, has missed 16 games and is averaging a career low 16.1 points while the Lakers are 6 and 1 with him available. Merlin smells a crossroads. Paul is laying groundwork for a sober summer decision rather than a dramatic in season exit. Los Angeles may chase depth at the deadline with names like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy circling, but the real test will come when LeBron chooses whether to chase immediate rings or shape a final chapter on his terms.