LeBron James looks tired. Following his performance of 37 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, los angeles lakers‘ 136-134 win Sacramento Kingsextending the winning streak to a season-best five games, James told The Athletic Made himself very clear about the lack of movement on the trade front, and himself.
“We all know what should happen,” said James. “No need to speak.”
What James is referring to is that the Lakers will trade one or both of their remaining future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to get him help. He was reluctant to transfer either asset for fear of mortgaging the average team’s future.
James has previously attempted to put pressure on the front office by making indirect comments through the media.
On a special episode of “The Shop” in November, James lamented the lack of talent in Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. …why not surround it when he has a pick to maximize what he can do?” James said.
In late December, after a five-game losing streak, he wondered how long he would be able to keep playing in these conditions. “I’m a winner and I want to win. I want to win and I want to give myself the chance to win. I’m still competing for the championship,” James said. “Playing basketball at this level just to play basketball is not in my DNA. We will see if it is.”
With the Lakers enjoying their most impressive stretch of the season (with Anthony Davis out), he took a more direct approach. His comments late Saturday made it clear he’s not a fan of the approach the front office is taking. It was the department.
Athletic: Seeing you and the team playing well, especially in the absence of AD, a recent conversation with (President of Basketball Operations) Rob (Pelinka) and (Owner) Jeanie (Bass) I wonder what it’s like. roster. what is the nature of your message? What is that communication?
James: “Look, I play games. I’m worried about who’s in the locker room. I can’t. It’s not my job. I can’t do anyone else’s job.”
The Athletic: But LeBron, you’re 38 and doing something you’ve never done before.
James: “I know.”
The Athletic: And the idea of teams holding onto some picks and waiting until next year…
James: “Well, if you know, you know. We don’t need to talk about it. You know.”
The Athletic: But what about perseverance? Is that aspect[of this situation]pulling you in?
James: ‘They’re doing what they think is best for the franchise’
The Athletic: What do you think about it?
James: ‘I’m doing my best for the players in the locker room, that’s all I can worry about’
The Lakers will always be embroiled in trade rumors, but the topic has gotten busier and more complicated than ever in the past year. seems to have been resolved by his improved play of , but little else.
Entering the final year of his legendary career, James is still performing at an elite level and wants to do everything possible to help his organization compete here and now. I have a problem with For one, James’ insistence that the Lakers trade Westbrook in the first place took away most of his remaining flexibility. All that’s left now in terms of his interesting assets are first-round picks for 2027 and 2029, which won’t materialize until James retires and could be very valuable.
Plus, the team isn’t all that great, and Anthony Davis hasn’t proven he can stay on the floor. It’s also out of play-in spots. Who will make a meaningful difference to the Lakers’ championship hopes?
Up until this point, the Lakers’ front office hasn’t blinked an eye, but will they keep their resolve in the face of mounting public pressure from James? It will be interesting.
