James lauded as scorer, not as general manager
Lakers right to refuse suggestions of future All-time points leader
The tweet appeared within hours of the news that the Lakers had not been able to pull off a trade for Kyrie Irving.
The tweet was from Lebron James, who had openly campaigned for Irving despite overwhelming evidence he would be a bad fit.
The tweet, as usual, was a passive-aggressive shot at Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka.
“Maybe It’s Me,” James declared Sunday afternoon. No maybes about it.
It is him.
Lebron James has been such a horrible general manager that the Lakers would be fools to allow him to continue making the trades.
His support of Irving wasn’t the main reason the Lakers lost the Irving bidding to the Mavericks, but it sure didn’t help.
As he tenaciously and incredibly and inspirationally approaches Kareem Abdul-jabbar’s all-time scoring record, needing 36 points entering Tuesday’s game vs. Oklahoma City, off the court James is unfortunately also approaching the record for being a Lakers all-time pain.
And now he’s mad that the Lakers didn’t follow his advice and acquire the NBA’S absolute worst teammate, a selfish and antisemitic eccentric who would leave the Lakers in complete ruins?
Just stop.
As the creator of a trio that makes $150 million and is in 13th place, James no longer has any right to demand that the Lakers sacrifice even more of their tattered future for the sake of a few more wins now.
The Lakers’ front office made the right move in refusing to give up the Nets’ demands that reportedly included Westbrook, two first-round picks, Austin Reaves and Max Christie.
Last month, when asked about trades by the Athletic’s Sam Amick, James replied, “Y’all know what the f— should be happening. I don’t need to talk.”
No, of course, talk is not needed when tweets will do the trick.
Seriously, you don’t really think they should have traded for Irving, do you? The guy burns every place he has been with trade demands and sudden departures. The guy costs his most recent team numerous games by refusing a COVID vaccine. And, oh yeah, the guy was suspended this season for promoting a movie containing antisemitic themes.
Even if his powerful point guard play would help pull them into the playoff picture this season, he would demand a four-year deal this summer, and there’s no way the Lakers could entrust the leadership of their franchise to him for even four minutes.
The Lakers made the right move. James clearly believes it was the wrong move. One can now wonder where this is all heading.
There will be an appropriate and deserved celebration this week at Crypto.com Arena when James breaks Abduljabbar’s record. James has been nothing short of brilliant in his five Lakers seasons— unselfish, uncompromising, worthy of every decibel of the standing ovation he will receive.
But once the confetti is swept up, the focus will switch from James the Historic Player to James the Failed Executive and you wonder: How much can either side tolerate?