LeBron James can keep pushing his pieces, hoping the Los Angeles Lakers will react. The problem for the all-time great is Rob Pelinka and the front office are not playing by James' rules anymore.
Dave McMenamin recently appeared on ESPN to discuss a variety of Lakers-related topics following the franchise agreeing to a contract extension with their new figurehead, Luka Doncic. When discussing James, McMenamin noted the relationship with Doncic was great.
The ESPN insider wanted to focus on the standing between James and the front office. There was more to focus on with that partnership.
McMenamin said, "The statement that Rich Paul gave to Shams Charania ... still stands. LeBron and his representatives will be monitoring the Lakers' moves. ... They recognize that there's only a very limited amount of time left in his career, and he wants to be competing for championships."
LeBron's familiar tune is not catching the Lakers' ears
The puffing and straightening up of the shoulders from James' group to reaffirm their stance is really not accomplishing much to sway how Pelinka will operate. It has been made abundantly clear the Lakers front office is focusing on Doncic.
That does not mean James cannot and does not have a role in that. The Lakers have prioritized flexibility in the interest of maintaining an opportunistic approach for a long-term star beside Doncic. However, in the short term, they are not going to do better than LeBron.
The good news for James would be the fact that his goals are aligned with Doncic's. The Lakers superstar point guard has similarly expressed a strong desire to compete for championships. If LeBron cannot push the front office to make moves, Luka undoubtedly can.
Doncic has played the role of recruiter this summer, helping the Lakers add DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart on savvy, team-friendly deals for the franchise. The moves should both help them win in the present, and maintain an ability to retool at a moment's notice in the future.
James' influence appears to be shrinking within the franchise. However, the superstar taking his throne is not someone who is simply comfortable with wasting years of his prime.
Doncic has been to the NBA Finals and was left ringless after a disappointing result. There is no doubt that hunger for his first championship should be a strong motivating factor for the competitive monster that is Luka. For James, that might just mean his pressure is no longer necessary.