According to Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, James is not expected to take a pay cut to accommodate the Lakers like he did last offseason when he took about $2.7 million less in order to help the Lakers stay under the second salary apron.

The Lakers' lack of a true center was exploited throughout the series, particularly in Wednesday's matchup. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who had not scored more than six points or secured more than 10 rebounds prior to Game 5, dominated with 27 points and 24 boards to send Minnesota to the next round.