EL SEGUNDO in Calif. LeBron JamesHe says he won’t be involved in the matter of the Los Angeles LakersAfter one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the offseason decision-making process for the team is underway.
James stated that “that’s not my choice” at a press conference Monday, ahead of team’s exit interviews. “It’s no decision of mine to sit here and decide what we should bring in and keep on the roster. The front office would make that decision. They may seek my input but ultimately they will make the decision that is best for this franchise moving forward.
James arrived at the Lakers in 2018 as vice president of basketball operation and general manager Rob Pelinka. This has allowed James more influence over personnel decisions than in a typical player-manager relationship.
But, James’ death was followed by his and Anthony DavisL.A. changed its roster to allow for trades after a lot of input from ‘ Russell WestbrookLast summer saw the team finish 33-49, failing to qualify for the play-in tournament. This suggests that there is a shift in strategy.
James stated that he believes the front office will do everything necessary to make this ballclub a better club from top to bottom. “Ask me for my opinion. I’m going give it.” They’ll make the best decision for the franchise at the end of it all.
James was one of the 14 players who spoke to reporters Monday. Pelinka, Lakers coach Frank Vogel, weren’t included in the interview. Kurz after James had met reporters, Vogel was officially dismissed by the Lakers.
James endorsed the coach before the announcement.
James stated that Frank is a respected coach and man. “At the end, I don’t know what Frank’s going through with him being here. But I have nothing but respect.”
James also supported Westbrook but did not mention that he would like to see the same core group of players back in L.A. next season.
James stated, “Russ is a character I love and will forever love. It’s his competitive spirit, the energy he brings to every game.” It’s hard to find a man that can pull off a uniform every night in a job with so many injuries and so many other things. That’s what I admire. Although I don’t plan to be a part of the front office or make decisions, I enjoy being a Russ teammate.”
James stated that he must take the offseason to heal from various injuries after playing only 56 games. According to James, an MRI that was performed Friday on his left ankle sprain which led him to miss seven L.A. games last season revealed that he does not need any kind of surgery or injections. However, he will need to rest his ankle for four to six more weeks before he can start his offseason training.
James said that James’ ankle injury meant that “if we were the teams I hoped for and wished we were,” he added. I made it worse. But I wanted to see how we could make a late push.”
James is close to his 20th season, and he turns 38 in December. He said that he will continue to make a late push in order to add another championship to the resume. He rejected the suggestion that his decision to join the Lakers was a failure.
“I came to win a championship. I want more. James shared that while I did achieve what I desired, he still wants more. “I am confident that this organization will want the same. This has always been the mission of this organization. … That’s it. That’s it. But I want it to be done again.”
James stated in February that “this franchise is one I see myself being with” but he hasn’t discussed the $97.1 million two-year contract extension he will be able to sign with the Lakers in August.
James said, “Technically it cannot be discussed until later in the calendar year because of the collective-bargaining agreement.” “So, once we get to that point we’ll all see.”
James finished the season with a 30.3 point average but was not eligible for the league scoring title as he had to play at least two additional games to qualify. He stated that he did not intend to play those games once L.A. was out.
James stated that once we were eliminated from playoff contention there was nothing to discuss, nothing to think about. “I won’t be there to play meaningless games in order to win the scoring title. It’s completely unacceptable to me, given my current career. … I’m currently 19 years old and trying to win a scoring title while you’re not in the playoffs is the most absurd thing.