The Los Angeles Lakers have an absolute top duo in Luka Doncic and LeBron James. However, a report suggests trouble is brewing.
After the blockbuster trade that brought superstar Luka Doncic to the side of megastar LeBron James, it seemed as if the NBA had found a new dream duo in the Los Angeles Lakers. But appearances are deceiving.
According to a report by ESPN, the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers is currently enormously strained. One of the main reasons: Luka Doncic.
Lebron James and Luka Doncic play together for the Los Angeles Lakers
The tensions are said to be by no means between the two superstars, but Doncic’s special treatment has led to growing resentment in James.
Therefore, the 40-year-old is even planning his departure from Los Angeles – in the short or long term.
NBA: James Feels Left Out by the Lakers
But where does the anger of James, who has been playing for the Lakers for almost seven years, come from? According to the report, the megastar feels left out by his franchise. Current and future decisions are no longer primarily discussed with him, but with Doncic.
As an example, ESPN outlined an initially secret meeting from May. At that time, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met in the well-known restaurant “Graig’s” with Doncic and his manager Lara Beth Seager.
Topics included how the team wants to play in the future, how the team should be aligned, and which players should belong to the future roster.
The Lakers’ previous alpha-dog, LeBron James, was not at the table. Unlike the seven years before, in which the Lakers bosses discussed every decision with the “King”.
Particularly piquant: After Doncic had initially entered the restaurant unnoticed through the back door, he left it together with the Lakers bosses through the front door in a way that was effective for public relations. Everyone should know about this conversation – and that the Slovenian is the face of the franchise.
Will LeBron Leave the Lakers?
If you believe the report by ESPN, James doesn’t like this at all. He understands that the Lakers brought in Doncic and want to build the team around him in the medium term, but he doesn’t want to have no say at all.
James’s displeasure was also shown by the statement of his long-time agent Rich Paul: “We understand that it is difficult to reconcile the attack on the championship and the preparation of the future. That is why we will evaluate what is best for LeBron at the current point in his life and career. He wants to get the most out of each of his remaining seasons.”
Lakers stars mourn missed opportunities
Although James had only shortly before exercised his player option of 52.6 million dollars for the coming season with the Lakers, this statement leaves much open. According to the report, numerous officials from other franchises, who could consider bringing James in this season via trade or next year as a free agent, also perceived it that way.
The megastar is also said to be open to this. Incidentally, his agent Paul is said to have informed the Doncic side about the public statement before and made it clear again that James had no problem with the Slovenian and would very much like to play with him.
But even if James made it clear both publicly and internally that he welcomed Doncic to the Lakers, he is generally dissatisfied. The well-being of James does not seem to be a central concern for the Lakers at the moment. It is not for nothing that, unlike in previous years, they did not offer their megastar a contract extension, also in order to be financially more flexible in the future.
The clear focus should be on convincing the new star Doncic to stay in LA in the long term. Risky for the Lakers: Doncic’s contract expires next summer. The Slovenian could therefore become a free agent and leave LA without any compensation.
Luka Doncic is to become the face of the Los Angeles Lakers
This circumstance should be prevented at all costs. Doncic should clearly be and remain the face of the franchise. This is not just about a lucrative new contract, but especially about having a say in shaping the future.
The Slovenian is said to have already had a say in possible trades and also in the commitment of free agents Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. A role that always belonged to James in the years before.
The megastar is still in the Lakers’ roster for the coming season. In LA, however, a real powder keg is threatening with the current situation.