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The Los Angeles Lakers are caught between a rock and a hard place, and there seems to be little light at the end of the tunnel. The team has officially hit rock bottom, with minimal progress suggesting a return to form. Part of the problem lies in a jumbled offense since LeBron James returned.
“Since we’ve gotten Bron back, we haven’t been as organized offensively,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “Too many random possessions. That’s on me. It’s those 3 things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.”
For James, now in the latter stages of his career, the priority is clear: compete for championships. The trajectory of the Lakers, however, doesn’t currently point in that direction.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Trade rumors have surrounded James in the past, and with recent struggles, his name has resurfaced in trade discussions. However, his agent Rich Paul has seemingly shut down any potential move to the Golden State Warriors.
“I believe anytime you’re placing LeBron James on any team it makes basketball sense. I think Jimmy Butler plays basketball the right way, to where Jimmy Butler fits on any team. Right now, I like Jimmy on the Golden State Warriors,” Paul said on the Game Over Podcast.
While a James-Butler pairing in Golden State is something NBA fans have long wanted to see, no team is likely to give up significant talent for just a few months with James.
For now, Paul has firmly dismissed any talk of a trade to the Warriors. More than likely, James will remain with the Lakers, as his agent has been very vocal in defending his client in recent weeks.
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