Shocking LeBron James decision is terrible news for the Rockets

While the Rockets pine for Marcus Smart, a more high-profile Lakers free agent has emerged as LeBron James announced that he will not be returning to the team next season. James is bound to have many suitors across the league for his services, but the more important impact to the Rockets will be in how the Lakers retool without him.

LeBron leaving could make the Lakers even scarier 

Ironically, James’ departure could give the Lakers the financial flexibility they need to make more aggressive moves towards upgrading their roster. The Rockets have failed to capitalize on similar opportunities this offseason and it’s already caused them to fall behind some fellow West playoff contenders.

Now, Rockets fans may need to add the Lakers to that list if they use their newfound cap space wisely. Rather than settling for minor re-signings and role player trades, the Lakers will now have enough room to pursue a bigger name - like Jalen Duren from the Pistons.

Duren has already been reported to have a meeting set up with the Lakers to begin his restricted free agency. He’s run into some pushback from Detroit’s front office, who refuses to give him a max contract. But the Lakers could have no problem extending that offer, especially considering his ideal fit as an athletic rim runner next to Luka Doncic.

The Rockets should learn from the Lakers

Obviously, the Lakers were already a huge threat to the Rockets last season with James; LA did eliminate Houston in the first round after all. But replacing LeBron on that same squad with a healthy Luka Doncic and adding someone like Duren would make the Rockets’ nightmare even worse.

It feels blasphemous to say considering LeBron’s overall body of work, but the Lakers might be better off without him now. His redundancy with Luka can’t be ignored any longer and the team is ready to move into its next era. With a smart offseason, they could instantly become one of the best teams in the West and make things even harder for the Rockets.

Meanwhile, Houston finds itself in a similar spot to the Lakers before LeBron’s announcement broke. The Rockets are tied down to their elder statesmen in Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet rather than building towards sustainable success around their young core. Perhaps they will need a similar shock to spur them in the direction of a younger team, when VanVleet and Durant eventually become free agents themselves.

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