The Los Angeles Lakers insider suggested that LeBron James' relationship with the Lakers' front office isn't in the best place right now and may be showing signs of strain.
After opting into his $52.6 million player option ahead of free agency, LeBron James is poised to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for at least one more season. But that doesn't mean things are entirely stable in L.A.
3-pointers this season
Los Angeles Lakers
NBA
Despite the move, rival teams have reportedly been calling to gauge the Lakers' willingness to trade the 40-year-old NBA icon. And according to multiple reports, the relationship between LeBron and the organization isn't in the best shape.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst earlier suggested that a separation could be on the horizon.
"LeBron's time with the Lakers is beginning to come to an end, you know?" Windhorst said. "They are beginning to move apart. You can actually argue that that started when they traded for Luka [Doncic].
"The beginning of LeBron's departure from the Lakers has begun," the NBA insider then added. "Now, that departure could be into retirement. That departure could be another way. But another way is on the table. And I don't know how it's gonna play out."
Soon after Windhorst's comments, Lakers insider Jovan Buha echoed similar concerns on his podcast.
"I mean, I want to be careful with what I say about Bron's relationship with the front office or the organization, but I don't think it's in the best place right now, to be completely honest," Buha said.
"I don't think things are in the best place they've ever been, I'll just say that," he added.
Credit AP – Scanpix
At this point, the most likely outcome still seems to be LeBron returning to the LA Lakers. But there's a clear expectation on his part: he wants to win.
After James officially opted in, his agent, Rich Paul, emphasized that LeBron's priority is to remain in a competitive environment and chase another championship.
That's the standard he's holding the Lakers to if they want to keep him on board.
LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018 and led them to a championship in 2020.
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