Is LeBron James’ $53 Million Contract Holding Back the Lakers? Ex-Champion Proposes Trade

Former NBA star Jeff Teague believes that LeBron James' hefty contract is costing the Los Angeles Lakers.

Is LeBron James’ $53 Million Contract Holding Back the Lakers? Ex-Champion Proposes Trade

LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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It has been a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The ‘Purple and Gold’ are currently sitting at fourth place in the Western Conference standings with a 17-7 record.

James is playing an unprecedented 23rd season in the NBA, a number no player has achieved in the history of the league. While there have been signs of James slowing down, he still remains an instrumental player for the Lakers.

Former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff Teague, has made some controversial and skeptical statements about LeBron James in the last few months. A couple of months ago, Teague accused James of taking steroids. Even though he quickly retracted his comments, it did not stop him from receiving backlash on social media.

Due to sciatica nerve issues, James was ruled out for the first 14 games of the season. During his absence, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves had some spectacular performances and led the Lakers to 10-4. Hence, Teague questioned whether James’ return would affect the team’s chemistry and hurt the Lakers in the long run. Since James’ return, the Lakers have gone 7-3, shutting down the criticism for now.

But that has not stopped Teague from passing more comments about James. On a recent episode of the club 520 podcast, Teague, who is the host of the sho,w said James’ $53 million contract is holding the Lakers back.

The only problem is senior (James Sr.). It ain’t that he a problem, it’s just that when he came back, he ain’t even do nothing wrong. He competing, he playing well and he’s Bron. But they can’t get nobody else for defensively because Bron take a lot of the money. They like we need some more defense (talking about the Lakers defensive struggles).

While James has not had a great start to the season by his own lofty standards, he still averages 16.5 points, six rebounds, and 7.6 assists in a role he has never played before. The Lakers’ management have made it clear that this is Doncic’s team as they prepare themselves for the post-James era. But defense continues to be a big crack in the Lakers’ armor.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can be the second-best point guard of all time

There has been no stopping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. The defending champions sit at the top of the Western Conference standings and have tied the record with the Golden State Warriors for most wins after 25 games, 24-1. The OKC are not just beating their opponents, they are wiping them out by an average of 17.5 points per game.

Shai Gilgeous Alexander MVP
Shai Gilgeous Alexander (FS Image)

Coming off a historic season where he won the league MVP, scoring title, Finals MVP, and the NBA championship as only the second guard in NBA history after Michael Jordan, SGA has shown no signs of slowing down. The Canadian is a strong contender to win all those awards once again if he does not slow down. Jeff Teague had some words of praise for the OKC guard.

He could become the second-best point guard of all time. If he stays on this run for a couple more years… if he wins the championship again with another MVP and Finals MVP, he’s already surpassed everybody, to me. It’s only him, Magic Johnson, and Steph. He’s definitely above Isiah Thomas if he wins it this year.

It appears that SGA and the OKC are in the midst of a dynasty at the moment. Coming off a championship run, a young core, and a strong future with several draft picks, SGA could make a strong case in the all-time point-guard debate if he manages to win a few more championships.

LeBron James unhappy with the defense after NBA Cup exit

Despite a strong start to the season and with Doncic and Reaves posting MVP-caliber performances, the Lakers are still not seen as championship contenders this season. There appears to be a significant gap between the Lakers and OKC when they played each other last month.

Defense has been an Achilles heel for head coach JJ Redick and his team for a while now. While they may boast one of the best offensive trios in the entire league, defense wins championships and the trio does struggle in defense as Doncic and Reaves have never been known for their defensive prowess, and James can only do so much at 40. Following their loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup, James was critical of the team’s defense.

All five of us on the court have to be on the same page. The team can’t give up so many transition points. We need to improve our containment when the opponent has the ball.

There have been reports that James has been more vocal and challenging players to up their level during scrimmages and practice sessions as he takes on the leadership role for the Lakers.

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