Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a miserable season despite starting as one of the favorites to win the 2022 NBA title. Last summer, the LA franchise added Russell Westbrook to frame LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a third NBA star.
The pairing of James and Russell Westbrook brought the Lakers to a 27-31 record in a demanding season. Last week, Anthony Davis went down with injury and it’s not clear when he can get back in action.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Klutch Sport ran by LeBron James’ close friend Rich Paul is not satisfied with the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka.
“According to multiple NBA sources, Klutch is not happy with Pelinka. The sentiment has long percolated, but it reached a boil when Pelinka refused to trade Westbrook and a future first-round pick (likely 2027) for Houston Rockets guard and Klutch client John Wall.”
In an interview with Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, James acknowledged he could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third time. He also noted that he wants to play one season with his son, Bronny James.
The Lakers had a quiet trade deadline despite being under pressure due to the underachievement of their current roster this season. According to Pincus, the Lakers’ decisions in ‘July, August and ahead of the February 10 trade deadline have led to a dysfunctional situation.’
James will hit the free agency in 2023. He will be eligible for a two-year extension this summer, for a deal that that could max out at $97.1 million through the 2024-25 season.
