The biggest question surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers as they begin their offseason is whether LeBron James will stick around for next season, join another team or retire. Even though there are signs that James could end up staying put, one cannot be sure what will happen until James makes an official decision.
Ever since the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic last February, some have wondered how James has truly felt about his standing with the organization, since he’s no longer its centerpiece. By all accounts, the two superstars seem to be getting along, but Bill Reiter, a writer who will soon host a sports talk show in the L.A. market on 97.1 The Fan, claims there is a rift between them (h/t Lakers Daily).
“I know (LeBron and Luka) don’t get along very well,” Reiter said. “… (LeBron) doesn’t do well when he’s in a locker room that’s toxic. … LeBron wants to be the guy and Luka wants to be the guy. … I just don’t think they fit together and i don’t think they get along, and when LeBron is unhappy with people in his locker room, it is awkward, it is weird, it does not go well.”
Reiter also cited a source who said James will probably return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Talking to sources, 50/50,” Reiter said when asked whether it’s more likely James stays with the Lakers or returns to Cleveland. “If I’m the Lakers, I don’t want LeBron James back. … The guy I talked to today, the person I talked to is a former GM who I really respect…he thinks he’s probably going to Cleveland, but he thinks it really depends on the degree to which the Lakers do or don’t want LeBron to be back. LeBron’s a roll out the red carpet guy. LeBron’s a ‘I need to be the center of the universe’ guy. … I think Cleveland makes the most sense. … I think he’ll probably end up there.”
One can make arguments for both the Lakers and Cavaliers being the best destination for James. If he accepts a substantial pay cut to stay in L.A., the team could end up making at least one move that would give it a roster that could allow James to win his fifth NBA championship next season. Cleveland, on the other hand, already has a roster that one could argue could win it all next season if it simply adds James.
Los Angeles won 53 games, finished with the fourth seed in the Western Conference and upset the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs despite several injuries to key players, including a bout with sciatica that forced James to miss the first 14 games of the season. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game during the regular season while eventually accepting a new role as L.A.’s third offensive option. During the playoffs, with Doncic out due to a hamstring strain, James upped his production to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.
According to a recent report in The Athletic, James and the Lakers have interest in continuing their partnership for at least one more season. If he leaves, the Golden State Warriors are thought to be a dark horse candidate to secure his services.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: NBA writer claims LeBron James and Luka Doncic don’t get along
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
