LeBron James Lakers

2022 - 12 - 29

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

LeBron James hints at leaving. Lakers should let him (Los Angeles Times)

The Lakers have LeBron James under a guaranteed contract for at least two more seasons, and he's not guaranteeing he'll stay interested for that long.

He’s here to win for him, not the Lakers, and the fact that he would cause such a major distraction Wednesday during such a tenuous time in this season’s evolution shows his priorities. His impact on a championship is negligible. [The Lakers](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers) had just lost for the 21st time in 35 games. Seriously, how much longer can they believe that James is still capable of leading a young core into the playoffs? His star turn here will be done. It has long been believed the Lakers wouldn’t have the brashness to make such a deal. Hmmm, think James could have taken less money to give the Lakers more salary cap flexibility? but that will be that. Well, Tom Brady did that, repeatedly, forsaking as much as $100 million to help the Patriots build those six Super Bowl championships in New England. They’re not dumping a legend, they’re simply abiding by his request, which changes the scenario completely. Sit tight for the rest of this miserable season. “I’m a winner and I want to win …

Why Lakers literally can't trade LeBron James in 2022-23 (ClutchPoints)

LeBron James isn't happy with the state of the Los Angeles Lakers, but he can't be traded this season due to his contract extension.

[six months after signing an extension](https://twitter.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1559983270871408646), as noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks after The King agreed to that new deal. That naturally leads some to the other end of the spectrum: What about trading LeBron James? After another ugly Lakers loss, this time to his former team, the Miami Heat, James made some pointed comments to the media that sounded like a cry for help.

Do LeBron James' 'winner' comments hint at Lakers split? (FOXSports.com)

Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless debate who's to blame for the Lakers' situation after LeBron James' comments about winning.

He might have to move on down the road in order to get what he wants: Which is to play at this level and play meaningful basketball down the stretch and into this postseason." [NBA](https://www.foxsports.com/nba) history this season, and he's likely to break his record of most consecutive All-Star starts, which is 18. He mentioned how he thinks James pressured the Lakers' front office into trading for [Anthony Davis](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/anthony-davis-player). "The point was they paid the freight," Bayless said. ](https://www.foxsports.com/shows/skip-and-shannon-undisputed) "I'm gonna average 27, 28 points a game, eight rebounds and seven assists and guess what? "I don't want to hear it now. I don't think his teammates want to hear this now. [Skip Bayless](https://www.foxsports.com/personalities/skip-bayless), however, thinks James is currently reaping what he sowed. "And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. So we'll see what happens and see how fresh my mind stays over the next couple years." "I'm a winner, and I want to win," James said following the game. That would explain some of his remarks after the Lakers fell to 14-21 on the season.

Lakers: Time For LeBron James To Depart Purple And Gold, NBA ... (Sports Illustrated)

Since linking up with your Los Angeles Lakers, All-NBA forward LeBron James has led the team to its record-tying 17th NBA championship (his fourth), and.

[Bill Plaschke of The Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-12-29/plaschke-lebron-james-hints-wants-leave-lakers-should-let-him) thinks that James, and the team, should move on from each other, despite reaffirming their supposed mutual commitment during the offseason with a lucrative new extension. He is unable to be flipped this year, but could be moved at the official start of the 2023-24 season next summer. The 37-year-old (who turns 38 tomorrow) has been named to four of his 18 All-Star teams in Los Angeles, with a fifth seemingly inevitable barring injury.

LeBron James expresses frustration after another Lakers loss: 'I'm a ... (Sporting News)

James was asked how much longer he sees himself playing after a loss to the Heat. His response raised some eyebrows.

So throughout the course of a day, to the weeks, to the months, I think about a little bit of everything, you know?" I'll still be able to compete for championships because I know what I can still bring to any ballclub with the right pieces. "I think about that I don't want to finish my career playing at this level from a team aspect. James was coming off eight straight trips to the NBA Finals when he joined the Lakers. James led the way with 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists, but Miami cruised to a 112-98 victory. The Lakers are 2-5 since his injury, falling all the way to 13th in the Western Conference standings.

'Not in my DNA': Frustrated LeBron James puts future in question ... (New York Post)

LeBron James explains that he's not playing meaningless basketball following a 112-98 loss to the Heat on Wednesday night.

As a Laker, James missed the playoffs twice and experienced the only first-round playoff loss of his career. The 37-year-old is playing in one of his most challenging seasons yet due to the roster around him. “And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. I still want to compete for championships because I know what I can still bring to any ball club with the right pieces. At the end of the day, I keep the main thing, the main thing and everyday when it’s time for us to work I lock in… “I’m a winner and I want to win,” James said after the Lakers fell to 14-21 on the season.