Power struggles at the Los Angeles Lakers: If even a trade by LeBron James is not unthinkable

Power struggles at the Los Angeles Lakers: If even a trade by LeBron James is not unthinkable

The Los Angeles Lakers are seething. A disappointing season, no improvements on the trade deadline and a LeBron James hinting at a farewell in interviews. It is a power struggle that is likely to continue for a few months.

If anyone in the NBA understands the media game, it’s LeBron James. In 19 years, the 37-year-old has seen just about everything and is now a master at spinning the narrative in his favour. This past All-Star weekend was no different. James was in a good mood, made jokes – and made some statements sit up and take notice.

As always, this was calculated, possibly even orchestrated. James gave, among others, a Cavs beatwriter, Jason Llyod (The Athletic), an interview in which he did not rule out the possibility of returning to Cleveland again. Out of nowhere, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar praised Thunder GM Sam Presti (“He’s the MVP”), although he was actually only asked his opinion on rookie guard Josh Giddey.

LeBron had things to say and used the largest possible stage, the All-Star weekend – and thus increased the pressure on the Lakers again. With a record of 27-31, the Californians are currently only ninth in the west, the play-in tournament seems to be unavoidable at the latest after Anthony Davis’ recent injury. It smells like another losing season for LeBron, now the third in his four seasons in the City of Angels, with the only exception being the 2020 championship season.

James has lost time, which he actually doesn’t have any more in his old age as an athlete. However, the situation in Los Angeles is muddled, there is not the only culprit, even if it is often portrayed as such. Instead, a power struggle is raging behind the scenes that could upset the balance of the NBA. Let’s try to break this down piece by piece.

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