The Los Angeles Lakers are tired of ‘passive-aggressive’ LeBron James, as rumours of his move away from LA circulate.
Rumours of James’ departure have been a summer-long topic of discussion. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is increasingly disgruntled with the Lakers’ lack of urgency as they target the offseason of 2027 to rebuild their roster.
40-year-old James wants to win now and is willing to explore his options elsewhere to put himself in a better position to win his fifth NBA title. But while James is unhappy with the Lakers, it seems that the Lakers are equally unhappy with James.
LA Lakers are ‘tired’ of ‘passive-aggressive jabs’ thrown by LeBron James
As James grows frustrated with the Lakers, reports have continued to circulate about the team’s mishaps over the past few seasons. Most recently, it was revealed by ClutchPoints that the Cleveland native is not happy with LA’s “lack of direction” after the Russell Westbrook trade.
It seems the Lakers’ patience for these media attacks is wearing thin, according to NBA Insider Anthony Irwin.
He said, “Frankly, this relationship isn’t in the best place. It’s also mid-July with plenty of time to turn things around.
“Lakers officials are pretty tired of the incessant passive-aggressive jabs.”
According to multiple reports, four teams have declared their interest in trading for James to the Lakers. But Irvin explained why trading James is becoming less likely as the summer progresses.
He continued, “The whole thing has become pretty awkward, and yet the reality is they’re both better off with each other. There is no trade the Lakers would make that would give James a better chance at a title than he has playing with Doncic.
“There’s also no trade James would accept that would benefit the Lakers and fit their parameters as they look to pair Luka Doncic with either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic.”
So while both parties are dissatisfied, they will be stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.
LA Lakers can still make moves this offseason
It was reported by NBA Insider Brett Siegel that the Lakers are not done making moves, and are looking for a three-and-D wing following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith.
While Andrew Wiggins is off the table reportedly, Matisse Thybulle and Josh Okogie are realistic options. Thybulle is entering the final year of his deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, allowing the Lakers to get his contract off the books for the 2026 offseason.
Meanwhile, Okogie recently became available after the Charlotte Hornets opted out of his extension, which would allow the Lakers to add some defence to their perimeter for cheap.
Now the Lakers are seemingly stuck with James, they’ll need to invest in one of these options in order to shore up their perimeter.