The Los Angeles Lakers thought acquiring Luka Dončić at the trade deadline would be a move LeBron James fully supported. However, James reportedly feels the move has disrupted his timeline—and worse, it may have caused tension between him and the organization. At this stage in his career, he’s focused on adding championships—not wasting seasons.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Interestingly, Dončić shares a similar mindset. Though the 26-year-old extends the Lakers’ championship window, he doesn’t want to wait around to start winning.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
A proposed trade scenario could help satisfy both Dončić and James—though it comes at a price: Austin Reaves.
“In this situation, the Lakers get to shed two bench/deeper pieces as they command less need with LeBron, Luka. Gabe Vincent and Austin Reaves have been common names being discussed in trades, so it surprises none in this scenario. As for adding Claxton, they get a key young frontcourt player at a potential discount, since the Nets want to deal him away. Nic Claxton can be a massive defensive weapon off the bench, as well as a great developmental piece underneath Rui Hachimura, DeAndre Ayton. On top of all of this, the Lakers get future draft picks that they will need once LeBron retires,” SI’s Thomas Carelli wrote.
