LeBron James probably thought the Lakers would be his last NBA team when he joined them in 2018. However, after seven seasons, his relationship with the Lakers’ management has been worse than anybody could have imagined.
For many years, LeBron had total authority and influence over the Lakers. He was their loud leader on and off the floor and the focal point of all their moves. However, LeBron’s situation has changed with the February deal for Luka Doncic. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claims that the Lakers and the four-time champion are in the early phases of a spectacular split.
Windhorst said, “One thing I feel pretty good about today, although things can pivot, is that LeBron’s time with the Lakers is beginning to come to an end, you know? They are beginning to move apart. You can actually argue that that started when they traded for Luka [Doncic].”
He added, “I know that everybody thought that LeBron was in on that. And I know I said at the time I didn’t believe that. LeBron was not in on it. I don’t know what to tell you. He was not in on it. He wasn’t against it, you know? I think he was shocked that they traded Anthony Davis. But LeBron was not in part of that decision process. I know that there are people who believe that he’s a general manager and you can’t talk them out of it, so I will not try. But that was a move that was away from LeBron as the center of the team.”
For most of his career, LeBron has occupied the top spot on every NBA team’s hierarchy. He was the central star of the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers. But the trade of Luka Doncic has changed the power dynamics.
How Do LeBron James And The Lakers Suddenly Fall Apart?
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LeBron is no longer his team’s most valuable player. While the Lakers are concentrating all of their attention on Luka’s skills, he is being handled as though his contract is about to expire. James has become an afterthought in the Lakers’ team-building aspirations since they know that his time in the NBA is ending after 22 seasons.
This arrangement is regrettably less than ideal since LeBron is still focused on winning a championship. James wants to compete at the most significant level even at forty, and he’s getting frustrated with the state of affairs in Los Angeles.
Teams across the league are already getting ready for his possible availability as his status becomes more and more uncertain. Whatever happens, the Lakers are now Luka’s club, and James would be better suited playing his remaining years somewhere if he doesn’t want to join that program.
Also Read: Blockbuster NBA Trade Proposal Sends LeBron James To The Knicks In Stunning $220M Superstar Swap
