LeBron James Plants 1st Seeds for Potential Lakers Exit

Despite turning 40 mid-season, LeBron James is having another excellent season. Remarkably healthy for his age, LeBron is playing 34.9 minutes per game in 38 appearances, averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, leading the Lakers to a 23-18 record. However, he is reportedly growing frustrated with the team that is sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference.

Even though LeBron and Anthony Davis are both playing at an All-Star level, the Lakers don't look like a championship contender. The need for roster upgrades is obvious and Lakers fans have been hoping for significant moves ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. It turns out, however, that James and Davis are both "growing concerned" about the team's ability to make significant roster upgrades, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

"League sources told ESPN that James and Davis are growing concerned about the Lakers' ability to make significant roster upgrades with their two tradeable first-rounders. James, a four-time champion, and Davis, a one-time champ, have expressed that they want the franchise to make moves to contend for a championship, with the co-stars believing the Lakers are potentially a piece or two away, sources said."

- Shams Charania, ESPN

Charania reported that James and Davis have both demanded moves from the front office. The two stars who reportedly believe that the Lakers are a piece or two away from contending for a championship, are now feeling less certain that the team will be able to pull that off.

The trade market seems to be unusually tepid so far. There are only a few players available on the trade block that could make an impact on a playoff team. Besides Jimmy Butler and to a lesser extent, Zach LaVine and Cam Johnson, there aren't any obvious trade candidates who would make a big difference for the Lakers.

That is an excuse LeBron James and Davis have heard from the Lakers front office on numerous occasions. The Lakers largely stood pat at last year's trade deadline and the 2024 offseason, bringing back the same team that didn't look like a title contender. Pelinka and Lakers ownership want to keep their powder dry by not going all-in. Doing so when you have the greatest basketball player of all-time on your roster is certainly a risky proposition.

If the Lakers don't make a move and they flame out in the first round of the playoffs once again, would LeBron consider trying his luck elsewhere? Is there a chance he would lose his patience with this organization and demand a trade in the offseason? Although it may seem unlikely, considering how incompetent the Lakers front office has been, it can't be completely ruled out.

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