Lakers Owner Should Give LeBron James ‘What He Wants,’ Says NBA GM

Despite debates raging across the nation about LeBron James‘ future, many believe that he would want to stay and retire with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has business interests on the West Coast and has his family firmly rooted there. His eldest son is playing alongside him, while his younger son is a few hours away in Arizona.

Then, his daughter is continuing her volleyball development with SZN Volleyball, and his wife has a podcast and other businesses in Los Angeles.

Sure, LeBron James can take a year off from being with his family and join another team that he believes can win him a title. But the Lakers should do everything he wants to ensure the King does not leave his country.

I’d pay LeBron whatever he wants as long as it’s a one-year deal, no player option. Give him the no-trade clause. Everything [new Lakers owner Mark] Walter has done so far has been about good business. LeBron sells tickets. He keeps the [local] TV partner happy. Re-signing LeBron is good business.

An East executive told ESPN

This anonymous executive essentially told ESPN that Mark Walter should ignore the noise surrounding Jeanie Buss and the top brass at the Lakers and sign the ‘Face of the NBA’ for one more year.

This will keep the interest in his recently acquired team intact. If LeBron James were to leave, he would pull most of the fans toward wherever he suits up next.

Along with the PR disaster that will surround the team for allegedly driving him out, it makes sense for the $7.3 billion worth Walter to offer the father of three the max deal.

Rich Paul dismisses LeBron James’ unhappiness over game ball

The LeBron James leaving the Lakers discourse started when Jeanie Buss‘ alleged dissent towards him became public knowledge. But the flames were fanned when Dave McMenamin‘s article revealed that the four-time champion was apparently unhappy over not getting a game ball.

I think people are reading too much into the signed ball. I’ve never in my life seen LeBron get disgruntled about a basketball or some type of accolade… I can’t tell you how many Player of the Week, Player of the Month, MVPs, Gold Medals, and Trophies dating back to 1992. This man got so many awards. Another basketball?

Rich Paul said on the Game Over Podcast

The Klutch Sports CEO pointed out his close friend and most important client’s long list of accolades to suggest that James would not be upset over not getting a basketball. Rich Paul believes that many are just making the most out of that.

Rich Paul on the reports LeBron was UNHAPPY that he didn’t receive the game ball for having the most wins ever:

“I think people are reading to much into the signed ball. I never in my life seen LeBron get disgruntled about a basketball or some type of accolade. I can’t tell you… https://t.co/NNgswrJZyK pic.twitter.com/OqCnlkgd6h

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 15, 2026

It could be that the super agent is dismissing the game ball as the primary reason for the league’s all-time leading scorer’s dissatisfaction with the Lakers. It might be something else that has soured LeBron James‘ relationship with the team.

Two-time champion does not believe Lakers have taken LeBron James for granted

On the topic of the Los Angeles Lakers taking LeBron James for granted, many believe the franchise has. However, when Kenny Smith was asked about this on First Take, he said:

Did the Lakers take him for granted? I would say no. When he wanted AD to be there, they went out and figured out a way to get him. When they needed to make a trade for Luka, they did it… When they needed to draft your son, they did it!

Kenny Smith replied

The two-time champion reminded his ESPN colleagues that he has experience playing alongside Michael Jordan in college and Hakeem Olajuwon on the Houston Rockets. Neither of them made it about themselves, or as if it were their team.

"If you ask me did the Lakers take him for granted, I would say no."@thejetontnt shares his thoughts on if the Lakers took LeBron for granted. pic.twitter.com/A1nP6VrjNn

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 15, 2026

Smith believes that the Lakers have done more than enough for James. Therefore, this notion of them taking him for granted did not make sense to him.

Also Read:

• Max Strus Turns ‘Pretty Man’ Troll on Charles Barkley and Tom Brady: “Look What You Started”
• Cooper Flagg Hard-Launching Girlfriend Leaves Fans Speechless – “They Look Good Together”