The Los Angeles Lakers are heading toward an NBA offseason that will determine how the next few years will unfold for the franchise. They are currently in win-now mode with LeBron James, but there is some friction building between the two sides.
That was made blatantly apparent by James during the course of his interviews throughout All-Star Weekend. James spoke glowingly of Sam Presti, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s general manager. He let it be known that the door is open for another return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and he wants to end his career playing with his son, Bronny.
He didn’t outright say it, but the pressure is now on the Lakers. Build a roster that fits better around me, otherwise, there are avenues for me to leave the team. The seeds have been planted, so it is time to see how Los Angeles reacts.
Rob Pelinka presenting a united front following the trade deadline was a misjudgment on his part. It opened him up for criticism, as LeBron James put pressure on the team to make a deal. Klutch Sports being disappointed in a deal not getting done with the Houston Rockets adds more fuel to the fire.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Lakers Cater To LeBron James’ Roster Demands In Offseason?
If the Los Angeles Lakers want any chance at winning a championship soon, they have to get on the same page with James. That will require some concessions being made by the franchise, who has gutted their roster to put together a Big 3 of Russell Westbrook, James, and Anthony Davis.
We have seen what happens previously when James doesn’t get what he wants and things get ugly. If the Lakers aren’t going to give in to his demands, could they actually consider trading him away this offseason?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Lakers Cater To LeBron James’ Roster Demands In Offseason?
If they do not want to admit acquiring Westbrook was a mistake and bring back some pieces to help James win, trading him is the best course of action. James would fetch them a lot of useful assets in a return trade package to help get the franchise back on track.
It would certainly be a disappointing outcome trading LeBron James, but it could be the best course of action for the franchise. It would be the first time in his career that a team pushed back on his demands, but if the Lakers do not want to make the changes he and his camp are looking for, trading him is what is best for business.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Lakers Cater To LeBron James’ Roster Demands In Offseason?
A move of that magnitude would take some time to recover from. However, the recovery period would arguably be shorter than if they commit more future draft picks to trying to fix as flawed of a roster as the one the Los Angeles Lakers currently have.
