Miami Heat: The perfect timing for a LeBron James reunion

Lakers’ disarray

Despite signing for four years with the Lakers, his current deal does not contain a no-trade clause, meaning James ultimately does not have final say over his destination for the coming seasons.

In a holistic sense, Bucher very succinctly summed up James’ current predicament on a recent episode of Speak for Yourself on FOX Sports:

"“Lakers nation does not embrace LeBron.”"

Just when you thought things couldn’t become more unstuck came the news that Magic Johnson had resigned as president of basketball operations. In a bizarre and hastily organized press conference, Johnson outlined his unhappiness in the role and how he wished to focus on other things in his life.

However, despite it now being several weeks since Johnson’s departure, no replacement has been named, with general manager Rob Pelinka looking increasingly likely to lead the front office.

Quickly following the Johnson resignation was the news that the Lakers and head coach Luke Walton had mutually agreed to part ways. At this stage, James’ former coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tyronn Lue, is one of a number of potential candidates currently interviewing for the job as Walton’s replacement.

In addition to Lue, former Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks’ coach Jason Kidd, former New Orleans Pelicans’ coach and current Philadelphia 76ers’ assistant coach Monty Williams, and current Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard are other candidates going through the formal interview process.

In regards to the coaching search, the aforementioned Plaschke had the following comment in a recent article:

"“The carnival coaching search is just the tip of a very dangerous and fast-moving iceberg. If the Lakers aren’t careful, they could destroy themselves from within.”"

Further complicating matters were the recent revelations that Lakers’ owner Jeannie Buss is allowing Linda Rambis into the coaching interview process. Despite her role being behind the scenes as executive director, special projects, Rambis’ close relationship with Buss has meant she has accompanied Buss and Pelinka in speaking with prospective head coaches. Such is her influence, general managers around the league have referred to Rambis as the “shadow owner.”

Additionally, there have been further reports that Kurt Rambis, currently employed by the Lakers as a senior basketball advisor, and wife of Linda, is being looked upon as a potential associate head coach. The former Laker has had a disastrous coaching record in charge of both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks, thus making this potential hiring all the more peculiar.

One has to wonder what James is thinking with all this mess spreading around him and thus, whether or not he truly feels that Los Angeles is the right destination for him to complete the remaining prime years of his career.