LeBron James’ tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers hasn’t been as successful as the King or the franchise would have expected it to be. James, alongside Anthony Davis, led the Purple and Gold to an NBA Championship in the 2019-20 NBA season.
But apart from that, James and co. have missed the playoffs twice, and the one time they did qualify, they were eliminated in the first round of the postseason. So, heading into this offseason, there were many questions about the future of LeBron with the team.
The Lakers were expected to make some big moves in order to improve the roster and get back in contention for the NBA Championship. One of the biggest moves for the franchise was supposed to be a trade that would send Russell Westbrook to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Lakers would get Kyrie Irving in return.
The move was supposedly the reason why LeBron wasn’t signing an extension with the Lakers. However, Kyrie Irving is still not a Laker, but LeBron James has already signed a two-year $97.1 million extension with the franchise.
While Lakers fans are happy that they will get LeBron for a few more years, there is someone who found a way to criticize this decision of James. It was none other than a longtime hater of the 4x NBA champion, Skip Bayless. Bayless decided to go on Twitter and call out LeBron for signing an extension as, according to him, it signifies that LeBron no longer has any leverage.
So much for LeBron holding the Lakers' feet to the fire, demanding they get rid of Russ or he'll take his talents elsewhere. I'll say it again: HE HAS NO MORE LEVERAGE BECAUSE HE WANTS TO RETIRE A HOLLYWOOD LAKER. He knows it; they know it. #StriveForLAness
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 17, 2022
“So much for LeBron holding the Lakers’ feet to the fire, demanding they get rid of Russ or he’ll take his talents elsewhere. I’ll say it again: HE HAS NO MORE LEVERAGE BECAUSE HE WANTS TO RETIRE A HOLLYWOOD LAKER. He knows it; they know it. #StriveForLAness”
Bayless believes the only reason behind LeBron’s decision to sign an extension with the Purple and Gold is due to him wanting to stay connected to Hollywood.
Skip has been a hater of LeBron James for as long as fans can remember. To be honest, no one is surprised that Bayless decided to call out the King. Regardless, James and co. really need to have a successful run in the playoffs next season. Otherwise, it will taint LeBron’s legacy as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
