NBA Insider Provides Concerning Update on LeBron James' Relationship With LA

The Los Angeles Lakers and superstar LeBron James are in an awkward position after rumored tension between both parties.

James accepted his player option for the upcoming season, which was meant to lock him onto the Lakers roster, but his agent, Rich Paul, released an interesting statement hinting at the four-time champion leaving the team.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all," Paul told ESPN.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

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Due to the new salary cap rules, a James trade is tough to construct given his more than $50 million salary. There are only a handful of teams who have a competitive roster that James can win a title with.

The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks are the only three teams who have the roster, assets, and motivation to explore a trade for the superstar.

According to most accounts, James' market hasn't developed, though, for the first time since he arrived in Los Angeles, James reportedly has a strained relationship with the front office.

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Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported about the strained relationship.

“I wanna be careful with what I say about like Bron’s relationship with the front office or the organization, but I don’t think it’s in like the best place right now to be completely honest,” Buha said.

“There’s been no official statement about LeBron opting in. There typically is, especially for a player of that magnitude.

“And then he’s had his stuff on social media or whatever he’s posted and there was obviously the statement when he opted in. So I don’t think things are in the best place they’ve ever been. I’ll just say that.”

Even if James isn't traded during the offseason, a market could develop ahead of the deadline, or he might leave during free agency next summer.

The Lakers are stuck balancing the long-term outlook with Luka Doncic and the short-term goals of Lebron James. Eventually, one of these sides will have to give.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.