NBA fans are reacting to a rumor that the Lakers might actually ask their star, LeBron James, to take a major pay cut if he chooses to play next year. Brian Windhorst explained recently that either James will be forced to take a pay cut if he wants to continue being a Laker, and fans have differing opinions on this.
“There’s a realistic scenario. LeBron has two big decisions to make when the season is over whenever that is for the Lakers. One is, is he going to play another season? And he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t seem to know, and I believe that. The second thing is, if he’s going to play for another season, then how much money is he willing to play for? Because the Lakers almost certainly are going to ask him to take a pay cut, potentially a significant one. Would he be comfortable doing that to help the team build out, similar to what Dirk Nowitzski did in Dallas at the end of his career?” Brian Windhorst said.
“As he should. He’s a billionaire he doesn’t need a max contract,” one fan said.
As he should. He’s a billionaire he doesn’t need a max contract.
— 30Problemz (@30problemz) January 29, 2026
“He didn’t ask for an extension because he’s not coming back lol. The Lakers really did a disservice to him. He would have more rings if he was a clipper and that’s a fact. They had everything he needed in 2018/2019. That was his worst mistake going to the Lakers.” one fan explained.
“asking lebron to take a paycut is laughable…that man doesn’t play about his money so this means that this will probably be his last year as a laker.” Another fan added.
It looks like different fans are having different opinions on this one. While many feel that James can easily take a pay cut, other fans who have been following the baller throughout his career know only too well that the hooper loves his money and would not be ready to part with it.
NBA Fans Troll Lakers For LeBron James Pay Cut Rumors
Many NBA fans are taking LeBron James’ side and are trolling the Lakers after Windhorst’s reports. A large percentage of fans feel that what the Lakers might ask is definitely unfair since King James has been their star throughout his time with the team.
“Imagine being told to take a pay cut after selling out arenas for 20 years,” one fan noted.
Imagine being told to take a pay cut after selling out arenas for 20 years
— Samuel Peter (@SamPeterToT) January 29, 2026
“ya as he should…with the right contract hed easily be extremely valuable (5-15m 1 year)” another fan said.
“LeBron taking a pay cut to stay in LA? That’s a sentence I never thought we’d be debating (flushed face emoji)” one more fan added.
It looks like most fans are not ready to see LeBron James take a pay cut with LA. At the same time, King James’ retirement seems to be right around the corner. Still, James has not openly announced this as of yet.
