No one in their right mind believes this about LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a new head coach. This necessity is under particular scrutiny because they have an all-time great like LeBron James, who will be 40 come next December. And if anyone tries to insinuate that he has no say in who the Lakers pick to roam their sideline, well, they’re effectively saying they have a bridge to sell.
About that.
According to Shams Charania, James reportedly has no hand in who the Lakers may pick as their next coach. Apparently, he hasn’t even had discussions with JJ Redick yet, one of the rumored top candidates for the job. Given James’ history of machinations with the Cleveland Cavaliers (in both stints), the Miami Heat, and now the Lakers, that’s pretty hard to believe, especially as James nears the likely end of his NBA career. (Note: Charania is represented by Klutch Sports Group, which is run by James’ close friend, Rich Paul.)
Like, there’s almost no way this is true:
Look, I suppose there is always the possibility that James is hanging out on the side, letting the Lakers take care of business. But would that really align with the process of one of the greatest basketball players ever, who clearly still wants to compete for championships? When has James ever given the indication he’d be willing to chance things, particularly with a decision as important as a coach?
This report reads much more like it’s trying to save some kind of face for James, who probably doesn’t want the next Lakers coach to be publicly seen as a hire made for him. I get it, I do, but no one’s buying it. Not one bit.
