While the LA Lakers’ search for their head coach is finally over, a new problem might arise soon. According to reporter Dan Woike, their superstar LeBron James could stun the NBA community with his latest move.
Woike recently stated, “The coaching hire is the first step in an offseason during which the team is facing crucial roster decisions, particularly with James. James is expected to opt out of his current contract. Although the sense is he’ll re-sign with the Lakers. He will be an unrestricted free agent if he declines his player option.”
The team has heavily relied on LeBron and Anthony Davis, and they have consistently delivered on the hardwood. The 4-time champion might not be in his prime, but he has broken many records while setting new ones. In the regular season, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds. However, his magic didn’t work in the playoffs.
Following their disastrous exit, the 39-year-old kept mum about his future, which gave rise to speculations regarding his move or free agency. Many even believed that LeBron would resign because of the arrival of his podcast co-host, JJ Redick, in the head coach position.
As there were talks about the 20-time All-Star’s involvement in the search process. However, reports of his nonparticipation have also surfaced.
LeBron James Had No Conversation About JJ Redick
As LeBron is close to JJ Redick, it was believed that he had an influence on the hiring process. But the bubble has burst.
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According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “There was no conversation between LeBron James and Jeanie Buss or Rob Pelinka or Kurt Rambis or anybody else when it comes to the Lakers decision makers about JJ Redick as a candidate, about Dan Hurley as a candidate, about anybody else as a candidate.”
The Insider stated on SportsCenter that LeBron “stayed out of this process.” He left the decision to the franchise’s management and didn’t get involved in it. However, he further added that Redick’s relationship with LeBron might have helped his case.
Currently, LeBron appears to be detached from the league and only has his focus on his upcoming international venture. He is training himself for the Paris Olympics and will join the USA Team members next month in the training camp.
