Channing Frye: Players Fall In Love With Being Famous More Than Playing In L.A.

As an NBA player, Channing Frye was a bit of a journeyman. He played for six different teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers on two occasions (2015-18, and ’18-19).

But one small stint came with the Los Angeles Lakers, after Frye was traded with Isaiah Thomas and a draft pick to bring Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson to the Cavs.

At any rate, Frye is now a broadcaster and analyst, someone who knows the league remarkably well. He calls it like he sees it and he has seen a lot. So his opinion on what is often happening with the Lakers — wildly discussed more than any other NBA franchise — is worth hearing.

“So now you’re in L.A. — and I had a quick little hop and a jump in L.A. — and let me tell you: players fall in love with being famous more than winning in L.A., OK?” Frye said on the popular Road Trippin’ podcast, co-hosted by Richard Jefferson, another member of the Cavs’ 2016 championship team. “So, if you don’t have that motor, that sickness to be great in a place like L.A., you’re going to start thinking, ‘Well, it wasn’t my fault’ or ‘It was someone else.’

“You stop grinding. Then you’re playing with (Luka Doncic), and you’re playing with (LeBron James), and now you’re even more famous — for doing nothing. You could literally do nothing and still be famous.”

In other words, perhaps there’s a reason the Lakers can’t get out of the first round these days, though there’s no indication Frye was referring to their recent postseason failures.

They did finish 50-32 last season and will have a full year of Doncic in 2025-26. They also added former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton in what they hope is a solution to their issues in the middle.

And perhaps that will be the case, assuming Ayton and others love basketball more than the constant media spotlight.

Funny thing is, not many people in Hollywood consider athletes as celebrities. But when it comes to the NBA, the Lakers most definitely fit that description.

Oh, and by the way, apologies to the Clippers. But let’s be honest, no one associated with the franchise, to this point, will ever be mistaken for fame.