What Another Trade Means for LeBron’s Legacy
For those that follow the NBA closely, you may have already heard of the information fiasco surrounding Lakers’ star, LeBron James. A few weeks ago, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, revealed to ESPN’s Shams Charania that “LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all… We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career.”
Following these comments, the NBA media went into a frenzy with many questioning what the star player’s future with the Lakers might look like. It’s no secret the Lakers are heading in an entirely different direction these days following the trade for Luka Doncic and the Buss family selling the team to Mark Walter. As for LeBron James, well, the star player hasn’t exactly quieted the noise surrounding him either and has in fact added fuel to the fire when he was approached yesterday by Dave McMenamin. The NBA reporter asked LeBron at the most recent Lakers’ game what his future with the franchise is, a question he responded to by saying “I ain’t got nothing to talk about.” Looking at what James’ agent, Rich Paul, stated, looking at LeBron not quieting the rumors himself, and given the current direction the Laker’s franchise is moving in, I think it’s safe to say LeBron is on his way out of Los Angeles, and his legacy might be going with him.
Don’t get me wrong, LeBron James is an all-time great NBA player, regardless of what his decision this offseason will be, but that’s just the thing. His “decisions” have been leaving a sour taste in people’s mouths for years. It was LeBron James that left Cleveland in shambles with his decision to leave for Miami and create a “superteam”. This not only devastated the city of Cleveland, but it led to a hatred for him among both players and fans alike. As if this wasn’t bad enough, it was LeBron James’ decision to then leave Miami and go back to Cleveland after the Cavs had signed Kevin Love, souring his relationship with the only team not partially bothered by the superstar. To make matters worse, LeBron James then left Cleveland again and went to LA where he, in the minds of many fans, especially Laker fans, manipulated their franchise from the get-go, deciding which players are in and out while taking no accountability for his actions and the effect they may have on the team.
Let’s also not forget that it was just a few weeks ago when LeBron came out on his Mind the Game podcast talking about how ring culture is bad and how it doesn’t define people’s legacies. However, isn’t that exactly what LeBron James has done his entire career: hopping from city to city, traveling to the best location possible to win another title? Isn’t that what LeBron, according to his agent, Rich Paul, wishes to do again? To travel to a team that can win now and who isn't building for the future? There is a reason NBA fans still look at Kevin Durant’s career with a side eye. Not that they can’t recognize his talent, but in how he acquired his two championships; joining the team that beat him in the playoffs. On the flip side, there is a reason fans cherish Steph Curry and Giannis, not simply for their game, but for their devotion to their respective organizations, their willingness to push forward with their squad regardless of the outcome.
If LeBron James were to force a trade once more to another team, likely leaving the Lakers’ franchise hostage for years to come, it may just be the final straw for NBA fans. At some pointm enough is enough. Of course, you want to be able to win a championship when you play. I want to win an NBA championship, but some things are just out of your control. Winning isn’t a birthright, it has to be earned.
