Recently, LeBron James turned 38 years old. But after turning 38, James seems to have improved rather than slowed down. His contributions have helped the Los Angeles Lakers amass a 5-game winning streak and raise their record to 19-21.
But that doesn’t mean the Los Angeles Lakers have magically become a title contender this season. Keeping that in mind, it’s no surprise that LeBron James is not happy with the direction that the team is heading toward right now.
So much so that he directly called out the front office of the organization in a recent interview with ‘The Athletic.’
To see you and the team playing this well, especially with AD out, has me wondering what the conversations with (president of basketball operations) Rob (Pelinka) and (owner) Jeanie (Buss) are like these days in terms of the roster. What’s the nature of your message? What is that communication like?
Man listen, I play the game. I worry about who’s in the locker room. I can’t — it’s not my … it’s not my job. I can’t do nobody else’s job.
But LeBron, you’re 38, and you’re doing things that have never been done.
I know that.
And the idea that a team would hold on to some picks and wait for next year …
Well if you guys know, then you guys know. You guys know. I don’t need to talk about it. You guys know.
But if you stay quiet, then time is gonna keep marching on, no?
Listen, you guys know. It’s not rocket science. It’s not rocket science.
But is that conversation (with ownership and management) evolving?
I’m working. I don’t have time. We’re playing every other day, three (out of) four nights. I don’t have time to be…
Right, but we’ve got cell phones. We can call people.
Listen, I’m doing my job. That’s all I can do.
But how’s your patience level? Is that aspect (of this situation) tugging at you?
They’re doing what they feel is best for the franchise.
How do you feel about that?
I’m doing what’s best for my guys in the locker room. That’s all I can worry about. I’ll let y’all…
A brief pause as he walks away, and one final, unmistakable comment that was shouted from nearly 20 feet away…
Y’all know what the f— should be happening. I don’t need to talk.
Looking at James’ statement, it certainly feels like the King is fed up with the front office’s decisions, right? Well, that’s not true.
LeBron James Calls Out Reporter For Twisting His Words
Sam Amick of The Athletic was the person who took this interview of LeBron James and unveiled James’ thoughts on the Lakers’ front office. Later on, Amick tweeted about James’ “frustration” with the team. However, LeBron decided to clarify his statement and called out Amick for making it sound like he’s frustrated with the team.
Upmost respect and calmness cause that’s the mood I’m in! Your welcome! 5 game winning streak. 😉👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 8, 2023
Hey Sam actually my patience isn’t waning. You make it sound like I’m frustrated when I’m really not. I told you over and over, my job is focused on the guys in the locker room, my job isn’t the roster. That’s the reality of that conversation. And I said what I said with the upmost respect and calmness cause that’s the mood I’m in! Your welcome! 5 game winning streak.
Considering LeBron denied rumors of him being frustrated with the Lakers, it should also put some rest on the rumors about him forcing a trade from the team. If the Purple and Gold can continue their current form, they may actually save this season. But in the longer run, the team should still think about making a few trades to further improve their chances.
Source: https://fadeawayworld.net
