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Los Angeles Lakers: Are superstars avoiding LeBron James?

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Lebron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Lebron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James this summer which seemingly was a precursor for another superstar move; perhaps not.

The Los Angeles Lakers cashed in on Magic Johnson‘s promise when he took over as President of Basketball Operations and signed the best basketball player on the planet, LeBron James.

The future is now immensely promising for the Los Angeles Lakers and understandably so. James not only joins a long list of legends to wear the purple and gold but he also brings the experience of eight straight NBA Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been defined by certain eras carried by superstars. LeBron James, in the late stages of his career, should serve a role similar to Shaquille O’Neal. Be the best player on a few championship teams before a younger star learns from him and takes over the franchise.

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The problem is, unless one of the young players steps up and becomes a franchise-altering superstar, the Lakers may not be able to find that next star. There has been a common in the NBA over the last year.

Superstars don’t seem to want to play with LeBron James.

It all started with Kyrie Irving, who demanded a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer. At the time, the Cavaliers gave Irving his only chance at contending for an NBA Title that season. He didn’t care. He wanted out and is now part of a Boston Celtics team that can compete with the Golden State Warriors.

Then we all saw the drama that transpired last season. Isaiah Thomas came into the Cavaliers with the same alpha dog mentality that made him so great in Boston. That did not work and Thomas was shipped out to LA.

The Lakers already struck out on stars this offseason. Paul George opted to run it back in LA, the team could not get a deal done for Kawhi Leonard (who seemingly prefers the Clippers now) and wanted to avoid DeMarcus Cousins.

Finally, on Wednesday, reports surfaced of Jimmy Butler requesting a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler gave Minnesota three preferred destinations, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Not the Los Angeles Lakers.

Is LeBron James the problem? Not necessarily. However, it is understandable why a superstar would want to stay away from James despite not having to sacrifice financially.

There is so much baggage that comes with playing with James, mostly from the media. No matter what happens, if anything good occurs it is because of the leadership and pure talent of James. If he loses, it is the players around him.

That is a huge simplification and it is not James that is doing this. However, it is understandable why a star like Butler would want to head somewhere that he could help make decisions on who is coming and who isn’t.

With James, he is simply there and along for the ride. If it doesn’t work out, he risks being in a bad situation without James.

If this continues to be a trend the Los Angeles Lakers might be in trouble. James’ prime is not going to last forever and the team needs to bring in another star to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.

Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard are now the two most likely candidates to sign with LA. Kevin Durant has emerged as a fun option, yet it is still hard to see him playing alongside LeBron rather than heading home.

Durant does make interesting decisions, though.

Striking out on a superstar next summer could leave the Lakers in a bad spot. While the team will still naturally contend past his prime as the young core gets better, it may significantly set back winning a title. The Lakers are banking on bringing in someone else and thus far, it seems like people don’t want to play with The King.

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This may mean that the Los Angeles Lakers have to take the medicine and trade away some of the youth for a superstar such as Anthony Davis. Because right now, it seems like no free agent will sign on to play with LeBron.