While it’ll be challenging for ordinary basketball fans to predict how the remainder of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason will play out, an NBA source claims he has the inside scoop.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, there’s a legitimate possibility of the Lakers parting ways with LeBron James after seven seasons.
“LeBron wants out of LA and they want him gone,” Gambadoro reported Tuesday. “Watch Game 1, how disinterested LeBron was.”
“LeBron does not like playing with Luka. (Austin) Reaves does not like playing with Luka. Reaves does not like getting the ball with two seconds left on the shot clock.”
“LeBron is not fond of playing with Luka. The Lakers are going to turn their attention to build around Luka, not LeBron.”
While it’s believable that the Lakers view Doncic, who’s 26 years old, as a more realistic cornerstone of their franchise than James, who’s 40 years old, there’s no question that James enjoys sharing the floor with Doncic in Los Angeles.
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On Apr. 1, James sat down with Steve Nash, the co-host of his popular Mind the Game podcast, and appeared grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside the five-time All-Star.
“He plays the game how I’ve always wanted to inspire the generation to play," the 21-time All-Star said. "There’s nothing predetermined. If you have two guys on you, it’s a numbers game."
"If you have the advantage and there’s a guy that can’t guard you, you attack. If help comes, you make the right pass. I’ve always loved players that breathe so much confidence into their teammates, that make them believe they’re actually better than what they really are."
"You (Nash) did that, Luka has done it for seven years. Chris Paul did that when he was down there in New Orleans (Hornets).”
James potentially seeking a change of scenery after nearly a decade with one franchise is one thing, but there hasn't been any indication that there’s a rift between the four-time NBA champion and Doncic.
With the Lakers addressing their center issue on Wednesday by signing viable lob threat Deandre Ayton, James has more of an incentive to stick around for another season or two.
Until James formally shuts down the growing trade rumors, the public will continue to speculate about his future with the Lakers.
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