With initial reports about LeBron James planning to sign a two-year $104 million deal with the Lakers, Rob Pelinka was stuck in a major financial crisis. Had the deal gone through, the Lakers would have crossed the second apron of luxury tax, restricting them from making any significant moves to improve their roster all year. However, understanding Pelinka’s concern, LeBron has made a major financial sacrifice.

But his heroic move might put the Lakers GM under even more pressure to become active in what has been a dreadful free agency so far amid the fear of getting replaced by someone more accomplished.

LeBron James takes a pay cut to save the Lakers from financial crisis

As per the latest reports, LeBron has taken a $3 million pay cut from his initial plan and finalized a two-year $101.3 million deal to stay with the Lakers. However, LBJ does get his preferred player option and no-trade clause added to his deal like he previously wanted, along with a fifteen percent trade kicker.

But more importantly, his sacrifice puts the Lakers $45,000 below the second apron of luxury tax, saving them from major financial scrutiny. Because of this, the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick will stay protected from the draft pick penalty. Moreover, Pelinka can now shed the salaries of the players on minimum contracts and possibly gain access to the taxpayer mid-level exception, which could eventually land them a decent player this summer. With James taking a pay cut, Pelinka was extremely grateful to have the superstar back for two more years, “LeBron is one of the most dynamic and competitive players to ever take the NBA court and we’re grateful to have his leadership as he returns for a seventh season with the Lakers… We’re so thankful that the history-making story of LeBron James will continue to be written in front of Lakers fans throughout the world.”

While it is a moment to rejoice for Pelinka, his work for this summer is far from over. Apart from securing LeBron, the only other move Pelinka has made so far is re-signing Max Christie on a four-year $32 million deal. Meanwhile, all his potential trade targets, including James Harden and Klay Thompson, have either re-signed with their original team or gone elsewhere. Most recently, DeMar DeRozan also left Pelinka’s hopes shattered as he got traded to the Sacramento Kings on a three-year deal. But with LeBron doing his part, it’s now up to Pelinka to surround the veteran superstar with a roster that can help bring another title to LA. Or else, a dreadful fate might await the Lakers GM.

Who can Rob Pelinka bring in to save his uncertain future in LA?

With Pelinka failing to lure high profile free agents like Klay and DeMar, many have started doubting his credibility as a GM. And there have even been suggestions about replacing him with a more proven candidate. A name on everyone’s mind is former Warriors GM Bob Myers, who stepped down from his role last year after twelve amazing years and is now working as an analyst on ESPN. But Laker Nation might soon start pressurizing Jeanie Buss to pursue Myers if Pelinka is unable to build a roster worthy of contending for the title.

Winning four titles in Golden State and turning them into a dynasty, Myers exceeded expectations in the GM role. Even veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith saw Myers joining the Lakers front office as a future possibility because of his LA ties, “Bob Myers went to UCLA. He lives in California. He’s a native there. And he’s an elite executive who has four championships on his resume. Kinda knows what he’s doing.” So, Pelinka might be under serious threat to be replaced.

But he could still salvage the situation as many believe that he was waiting for LeBron’s deal to get finalized before he starts making any free agency moves. Now that the second apron sword is no longer hanging over his head, Pelinka could facilitate moves to acquire free agents like Spencer Dinwiddie, Luke Kennard, Evan Fournier and J. Crowder, all of whom are decent shooters with the ability to play on both sides of the ball. And there is also an option to add superstar Zach LaVine and form a Big 3 with LeBron and AD, but that would require giving up major assets in a trade.

Moreover, Pelinka proved last year that he is capable of doing the job well when he brought in multiple players like D’Angelo Russell, Jared Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura, a move that led to the Lakers reaching the Conference Finals and make up for their horrible Russell Westbrook signing. With his job on the line, Pelinka would hope to pull off another such miracle this summer and prove to LeBron that the $3 million sacrifice he made was worth it. What are your thoughts?