Warning shot? Do LeBron’s remarks hint he’ll demand trade from Lakers?
By Cal Durrett
The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff chances appear incredibly dim at the moment, with a 15–21 record and star Anthony Davis out. That’s led to rumors that the team will opt against making a big in-season trade to try and save their season.
Even superstar LeBron James has apparently come to that realization after deleting a tweet that stated that he didn’t plan on missing the playoffs again this season. Instead, James made a comment that could hint at his future with the team.
"“I’m a winner and I want to win. I want to win and give myself a chance to win, and still compete for championships. That’s always been my passion and goal since I entered the league as an 18-year-old kid out of Akron, Ohio. I know it takes steps to get there, but once you get there and know how to get there — playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It’s not in my DNA anymore,” James said."
These comments are in stark contrast to a report that suggested he may play much longer than initially expected. Then again, he may still intend to play for several more years, just not with the Lakers. Unfortunately for James, he signed an extension last summer and is under contract through next season. However, James is clearly frustrated with the Lakers and could very well ask for a trade this offseason.
The Lakers haven’t held up their end of the bargain
That may seem unthinkable, but the Lakers haven’t held up their end of the bargain, and this would be the third season in James’ five-year tenure with the team where he doesn’t make the playoffs. Remember, he made the NBA Finals nine straight seasons prior to signing with Los Angeles.
If James really doesn’t want to just play basketball, he could demand they trade him to a contender. For the Lakers’ part, that is probably for the best and gives them an out. After all, trading James would allow them to replenish some of the draft assets lost in the Anthony Davis trade and would give them a reason to rebuild sooner. While they would still have Davis next season, he is far from reliable, and they could also look to move him for additional assets, but it starts with James demanding a trade.
Where James would go is anybody’s guess, but perhaps he would return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to finish out his career or maybe bring his talents back to South Beach with the Miami Heat.
James may just be putting pressure on the Lakers to make win-now moves.
On the other hand, perhaps James doesn’t intend on asking for a trade. Instead, he may be becoming more vocal about his frustration because he sees the front office taking him for granted. He has a point. If they indeed decide not to make a major trade, then the Lakers are basically punting on James’ 20th season, in which he’s averaging 28.5 points per game.
For all we know, James will be 15% worse next season, and they will have to try and offset that with the roster moves they make this summer. Speaking of this summer, the Lakers will have their hands full trying to reconstruct their roster. Building around James next season can be tricky, but they have to, as he’s on the roster.
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Ultimately, James’ comments suggest that he is far from resigned to the Lakers missing the playoffs yet again. In fact, it appears that he could even demand a trade in the offseason to a title contender, and they may be willing to oblige his request. We’ll have to wait and see how this story unfolds, but there doesn’t appear there be a happy ending to the James-Lakers relationship.