Is It Possible LeBron James Wouldn't Sign an Extension With the Lakers?

LeBron James has spent a great deal of his time in Los Angeles fighting significant injuries. He's been told to stay off that bad ankle this spring/summer for at least a month, probably more. So with all that in mind, and his advancing age and tremendous NBA mileage, it's at least worth contemplating the risks of offering him a $90-plus million extension this summer. But this week, Sam Amick of The Athletic wrote an interesting story that asks the other side of the same question: Would LeBron automatically accept an offer from the Lakers (as everyone assumes the organization will do)? What are the reasons LeBron might turn them down? What might have changed about his perception of the franchise? Is it really any different now than it was when he signed with them originally? When he signed his first extension with the team? Finally, everyone (James included) poked fun at the Timberwolves for, let's call it an extremely enthusiastic celebration following Minnesota's win over the Clippers Tuesday night, making them (officially) the NBA's 7-seed in the Western Conference playoffs? Should people lay off? Should Minny be a little more measured? And most importantly, what does that outlook (nothing matters save a title!) do for fans? How can it screw up a team like the Lakers going forward? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Would LeBron James automatically accept a second contract extension if the Lakers offer it? SEGMENT 2: Why might LeBron be reticent about committing to L.A. beyond next season? Is it possible for everyone to benefit by going year-to-year with LBJ? SEGMENT 3: Let the Wolves have fun, people! Plus, how the "Everything that's not a ring is failure!" can be toxic for a team in the situation the Lakers face today. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Shady Rays EXCLUSIVELY FOR OUR LISTENERS, HEAD TO SHADYRAYS.COM AND USE CODE LOCKEDON TO GET FIFTY PERCENT OFF TWO OR MORE PAIRS OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES. Athletic Greens To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/NBANETWORK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices