La Lakers’ free agency slow start wasn’t something LeBron James wanted to see.
NBA superstar LeBron James has re-consigned his short-term future to the LA Lakers and opted for his contract.
However, LeBron James’ decision had a warning. Through his agent at Klutch Sports, a message was delivered urgently urged the team to re-tool the team.
Many interpreted this as a warning. LeBron James could leave the team and various destinations were debated if he chose to waive his non-trade clause.
So far, in free agency, James is unlikely to be satisfied with what he is seeing. The Lakers lost Dorian Finney Smith to the Houston Rockets, a player he admired.
It is also not signed by the centre, and important targets have agreed to the deal elsewhere.
NBA expert Ramona Shelburne believes that Lebron James’ comments may have backfired the LA Lakers.
Speaking to ESPN LA, Shelburne says James has made the already difficult situation even more clever for the Lakers front office.
She said: “These restrictions and it is difficult in this market.
“I think something’s coming to them, but they made it difficult for themselves.
“Frankly, I think LeBron’s statement has become more difficult for them.”
Detailed, she explained that LeBron James’ comments could add uncertainty to his own future in LA and create concern for free agents.
“It’s a layered statement to cause you to think about it and talk about it. He’s trying to put pressure on them to get a better roster, but the league fuss sounded like a goodbye letter, past tenses were used.
“I think that has caused a lot of uncertainty about his future with the Lakers, whether this year or next year.”
The Lakers eventually signed one or two additional players in free agency, and after a brief stint with the King, they already added Jay Claravia.
The trade market is another path open to the Lakers, but this is even more difficult.
The team already knows that the Lakers were hopeless and were about to land the centre at the previous trade deadline, but Rob Perinka had already expressed his intentions in a team exit interview.
LeBron James’ comments add to the urgency, with the team trying to use the Lakers in trade negotiations.