LeBron James asserts it is improper to inquire about the Lakers’ potential trade intentions
LeBron James insists that it is inappropriate to question him about the Los Angeles Lakers’ prospective trade strategies. On December 18, after the team’s victory over the Washington Wizards, James advised fans to contact general manager Rob Pelinka with their inquiries.
“Not a question for me. I have no idea. When I’m playing, I show up, prepare, go to work and get my guys ready to go win a basketball game. I play the game, I’m not in the front office,….But I’m focused on the game and us trying to win basketball games, especially when I’m out on the floor. Go ask Rob those questions.”
Few issues have sparked as many headlines and discussions on television, radio, and podcasts as the Lakers’ trade alternatives. The original conversations were all centered on Russell Westbrook, but he has since performed well enough off the bench that a relocation looks improbable. Any transaction the Lakers make for a big upgrade would have to contain one or both of their highly wanted first-round selections in 2027 and 2029, regardless of whether Westbrook is in or not.
The big issue is whether the Lakers will really trade those picks. While Pelinka stated on media day that the Lakers would be open to trade, but only for the “perfect” deal, a preseason report from Marc Stein claimed LeBron James was told that the franchise will use drafted assets to enhance the squad.
However, nothing has occurred up until this time. The Lakers’ awful 2-10 start to the season, which put them somewhere at bottom of the league standings, is mostly to blame for that. Moving the choices at that time was not logical.
A subsequent 11-7 record rekindled trade speculation, but even before anything could be finalised, Anthony Davis suffered a foot injury and will now be benched for one month.