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Since LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers five years ago, there has been a perception he has had an outsized influence on their personnel decisions.
That perception reached a zenith around the time of and following the Russell Westbrook trade. That deal was considered a disaster by many. Westbrook couldn’t fit with James and Anthony Davis, and the deal left the Lakers bereft of viable depth and the resources to build a supporting cast.
By all outward appearances, James was the driving force behind that trade. Executive Rob Pelinka was reportedly about to swing a trade for sharpshooter Buddy Hield, only to pivot and go for Westbrook due to James’ influence.
But this summer, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer may let his team’s front office do its job without twisting anyone’s arms, according to Mark Medina.
Via Sportsnaut:
“Unlike during part of his time with the Lakers, however, James does not plan to advocate for any specific free-agent signings or trades, according to a person familiar with his thinking.”
Even better, it looks like James will remain in the Purple and Gold for at least a little while longer.
“Regardless of how the Lakers construct their roster when free agency begins on Friday at 6 p.m. ET, James also is expected to fulfill the remainder of his two-year, $97 million contract and remain proactive with maximizing his health entering his 21st NBA season.”
The 38-year-old suggested he might retire following the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. But hardly anyone thinks he will actually follow through and call it quits just yet.