The Lakers failed to make the postseason in LeBron James’ first season and with a critical offseason upcoming, the team is in a bit of disarray.
Team president Magic Johnson shocked everyone when he announced just prior to the final regular season game that he was stepping down from his post, leaving GM Rob Pelinka suddenly in total control of the front office. Luke Walton was, unsurprisingly, let go as coach, landing in Sacramento (and now facing a lawsuit for alleged sexual battery), and to this point, the frontrunners for his job appear to be Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams.
The lack of stability is concerning entering such a crucial summer, and there have been reports that LeBron James isn’t pleased with how things have gone recently with those at the top. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently said the relationship between James and the organization has been damaged, but LeBron took to Instagram to deny that report, saying it’s “not true” and note that he’s working out in the Lakers facility right now.
LeBron is as good as there is at controlling the message he puts out publicly, and while no one would fault him for having concerns about the organization, he will publicly insist he’s on the same page and fully supportive of those in decision-making positions. Whether that’s fully the case behind the scenes remains to be seen, but for now he wants to dispel the rumors he’s not happy with the team.
That’s not a surprise, because the only way for the Lakers to really turn things around is to land another star in free agency to lift them to playoff contendership out West, and LeBron knows he has to be sending out positive messages about the team if they’re going to have a chance at adding such a player.
