LeBron James Reacts To Cavaliers Giving Brandon Weems Extension

James opted into his $52.6 million contract at the start of NBA free agency, yet the rumor mill has been churning mightily ever since. Some reports have suggested that James and the Lakers’ front office are at odds. Others say James feels disrespected by the franchise for reasons unknown.

LeBron and his camp probably haven’t helped matters, sending out multiple messages that have raised eyebrows across the league. So much so that agent Rich Paul told ESPN that four teams have called about a potential trade for James. He said nothing about James being committed to the Lakers.

Anyway, Weems has been with the Cavaliers’ front office since 2015. He and James go way back, dating to their days of playing Pee Wee football together in their hometown of Akron, Ohio. They also played high school basketball together at St. Vincent-St. Mary, winning three state titles in four years. Weems was a member of two of those teams.

So, yes, the friendship goes way, way back. That is likely all James was doing — congratulating a friend. But he also had to know the reaction it would receive, and that’s just all part of his ongoing summer of … well, fun. Unless maybe if you’re the Lakers.