When the Lakers signed LeBron James in 2018, everybody assumed Ron Pelinka and Jeanie Buss would do whatever it takes to ensure James ends his career in a winning environment.
While the Lakers were successful in bringing another championship to the franchise, they have misstepped their way into obscurity as one of the worst teams in the West.
It’s frustrating for the organization, and for the fans, but it’s a much bigger blow to LeBron James himself, who continues to play at a high level despite the struggles of his team.
Amid all the losing, James has made it abundantly clear that he’s not having a good time and has already taken some subtle shots at the front office for their mishandling of the team.
“I don’t wanna finish my career playing at this level from a team aspect,” said James after the game last night. “I still want to compete for championships. I know what I can bring to any ball club with the right pieces. I’m a winner and I want to win. And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. That has always been my passion, that has always been my goal since I entered the league as an 18-year-old kid out of Akron, Ohio. And I know it takes steps to get there, but once you get there and know how to get there, playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It’s not in my DNA anymore. So, we’ll see what happens and see how fresh my mind stays over the next couple years.”
It seems like only a matter of time before LeBron forces his way out, but he’ll have to endure this situation for at least the rest of the season before he can be traded.
Lakers Could Face Severe Consequences For Mishandling LeBron James’ Final Years
For the Lakers, this situation with LeBron could have big implications for their image as a free-agent destination. According to one insider, the front office decision-making may turn off future free agents from joining the team.
I cannot possibly exaggerate how thoroughly the Lakers might be tanking their future endeavors with how things are ending between them and LeBron/Klutch.
The Lakers have made it clear the only way they are interested in building is through starpower. But if this is how you’re treating the biggest star of his generation, and it’s a really small world at that level of the NBA… Yeah. This is potentially devastating for the brand.
I cannot possibly exaggerate how thoroughly the Lakers might be tanking their future endeavors with how things are ending between them and LeBron/Klutch.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) December 29, 2022
The Lakers pride themselves on being a premier basketball organization. For years, they aggressively pursued star power and it landed them legends like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James.
This year, however, the Lakers are unwilling to do what’s necessary to ensure their stars are in a position to succeed.
If you’re a player trying to figure out where to spend the next stage of your NBA career, you might think twice before leaving the fate of your basketball future in the Lakers’ hands.
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