LeBron James Continues Communicating with Lakers Despite Rumors of Unhappiness

40-year-old LeBron James has made it clear to the Los Angeles Lakers he wants to fight for another title next season.

LeBron James Continues Communicating with Lakers Despite Rumors of Unhappiness

LeBron James still communicating with Lakers despite trade rumors (Image via FirstSportz)

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LeBron James is currently spending time in his home state of Ohio. Be it working out or golfing, the 40-year-old is going through his offseason schedule before ramping up his conditioning for what would be his 23rd season in the league.

His future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be the talk of the basketball world. Many believe he is unhappy with the franchise after it pivoted towards the interests of Luka Doncic.

It is just a matter of time before James calls it quits. But that does not mean he does not want to fight for a title next season or beyond. The franchise, on the other hand, has shifted its focus to create future cap flexibility.

That usually indicates that they are not fully committed to winning this season. This might not be per what the 4-time champion wants, but it is not the end of the world either. The Lakers have brought in impactful players who can contribute immediately, and as the season goes by.

As per journalist Brett Siegel, LeBron James has not cut off communication with the Lakers. He is in constant touch with them and has been discussing player movements and salary cap changes.

This seemingly indicates that LeBron James might not be forcing the franchise’s hand as hard as it was initially reported. But it does not change the fact that he wants to win a title next season and is pushing the team to do what is necessary to achieve that goal.

LeBron James’ stance on competing for titles hasn’t changed

Even though he is communicating with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James‘ stance on his goals has not changed. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin appeared on NBA Today and gave this update.

I’m told that the statement that Rich Paul gave to Shams Charania back in June, when LeBron opted in, still stands. That LeBron and his representatives will be monitoring the Lakers’ moves that they make because they recognize that there’s only a very limited amount of time left in his career, and he wants to be competing for championships.

Dave McMenamin said

This means that even though there is a remote chance he will leave the West Coast, James still wants the team to do whatever it can to give him a fighting chance for next season’s title.

With rumors that he will retire after next season, this will be the last chance for him to win title No. 5. He wants that extra win so that his position in the GOAT debate gets another talking point.

LeBron James called Luka Doncic to congratulate on his extension

There is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers are moving on from the LeBron James era to one that is focused on Luka Doncic. The 26-year-old can give them at least a decade of competitiveness and will naturally focus on surrounding himself with talent.

LeBron James FaceTimed Luka Doncic to congratulate him on contract extension
LeBron James FaceTimed Luka Doncic to congratulate him on contract extension (IMage via Blockbet/X)

But for that to happen, they first need him to agree to stay with the franchise. Doncic agreed and signed a 3-year, $165 million contract extension. In taking a reduced salary, he is setting himself up to earn $1 million a game on his next major contract.

Some teammates were present when the Slovenian put pen to paper on his new deal. LeBron James was not, as he is currently spending time in his home state of Ohio. But as per Dave McMenamin, he did what was necessary.

The Akron native FaceTimed his younger teammate, congratulating him on signing a contract that will now make him the highest-paid player on this team. The Doncic era has officially started, and James hopes they both can win a title next.

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