The row between the Los Angeles Lakers and their star player, LeBron James, is heating up with every passing day.
Reports emerged from Slovenia late Sunday that the Lakers management has had 'positive' talks with Luka Doncic as he prepares for a full recovery and return after missing most of the ongoing NBA season owing to injury. The reports noted that Luka, currently in Slovenia, will return to Los Angeles soon.
But the enthusiasm over the positive Luka Doncic update likely improving the Lakers' prospects next season after a disgraceful Western Conference semi-finals exit vs the OKC Thunder. NBA Insider Shams Charania said on Monday that NBA teams are feasting over the prospect of a LeBron James free agency.
NBA Insider Makes Big Claim
Such is the heat over the LeBron Lakers fallout that even as tensions mount, Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show that almost all "contenders" have started making calls with LeBron James with the intention of signing him next season.
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{{/usCountry}}"Honestly, I think LeBron, more than past years, probably needs even more time with his family, with his inner circle," he said.
"I do know a lot of teams are calling him and his camp. I spoke to Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago Draft Combine last week, and he told me every contender in the NBA, essentially, since the season ended has placed a call."
Charania, however, did not reveal which teams he considers among the contenders. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Clippers are a frontrunner, while some rumors link The King to the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron vs Lakers Row Escalates
LeBron James is reportedly unhappy with the Lakers' front office not "prioritizing" him, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported. The report had claimed that tensions first started in March this year after Lakers president Rob Pelinka handed the game ball to the head coach instead of JJ Redick.
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The next point of contention is the shifting of the roster priority towards Luka Doncic as he eyes a full-fledged comeback next season. Coupled with the Playoff loss to the OKC Thunder, talks between LeBron and the Lakers camp seem to be falling apart as he enters unrestricted free agency.
The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 60 regular-season games. In the 10 playoff games this season, he averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.