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The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason is quickly becoming very interesting. Dorian Finney-Smith is becoming a free agent. Luka Doncic looks to be getting into the best shape of his career. And now LeBron James’ player option is getting picked up for $52.6 million. Despite the LeBron opt-in, a recent statement from his agent, Rich Paul, has many wondering if a LeBron trade request could be the next piece of offseason Lakers news.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all…We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."
Rich Paul’s statement on LeBron’s future with the Lakers should definitely raise some red flags for Lakers fans.
Instead of committing hard to being a Laker and promoting their championship chances of winning it all with Luka now on the roster, LeBron and his team are implying that the Lakers aren’t currently looking good enough for LeBron to win a championship with.
Before the LeBron trade rumors get out of control, we have to realize we’ve seen this before.
LeBron has constantly put pressure on his teams to win now. Especially in his later career, he has repeatedly made statements to the media to put pressure on his team to forgo future assets to strengthen the roster for him in the present.
Only time will tell if these comments from Paul are genuine or just a way for LeBron to pressure the Lakers. If he is serious about maximizing his championship chances, the LeBron trade rumors won’t be unwarranted.
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Until then, it could be just another one of his media ploys.
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