LeBron James’ future with the Lakers is making headlines again, and his camp is sending a very clear message: don’t overthink it. ESPN’s Shams Charania shared what he learned from talking to LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, saying, “It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James. Just appreciate the present and also maximizing his present. And that obviously that onus potentially falling on the Lakers and what team they put around him.” In other words, LeBron’s focus is on right now—not whether he’ll play one more season or two.
The timing of this message comes after a bit of a snub. ESPN ran a poll for the best American NBA player, and Stephen Curry, not LeBron, took the top spot—11 votes to Anthony Edwards’ eight, with Donovan Mitchell trailing at one. Before Jayson Tatum’s injury, this question probably wouldn’t have even been on the radar, given Tatum’s First-Team All-NBA honors and recent title. But with Tatum out, Curry—37 and heading into his 17th season—claimed the crown.
And while Rich Paul has clarified (in his usual cryptic way) James’ stance going into the season, would that be enough to make the Lakers a contender?
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