Lakers' latest move is a clue about LeBron James situation

The Los Angeles Lakers still don't know if they'll have LeBron James back next season, and that puts the team's future a bit in limbo. It'd be best to know either way if James is coming back, but they don't have that luxury right now.

James has been a staple of the Lakers' franchise for eight seasons. It's almost hard to envision Los Angeles without James at this point, but this situation could really go either way.

There was a lot of anticipation surrounding the Lakers' moves in the NBA draft because what they did would inevitably provide a clue into where they are with the James situation. As it turns out, Los Angeles' pick of Cameron Carr at No. 24 did offer a clue into what the powers that be are thinking.

Lakers' NBA Draft move provides a clue about LeBron James and Los Angeles

By picking Carr, the Lakers are sending a message that they're building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and are ready to move forward with or without James. They didn't get a player to complement James. They took a player who's athletic, versatile and will complement their core, but not necessarily a player who's expected to become the face of the franchise one day. At 21 years old, the Lakers also picked a player who they know can start from day one and won't need a ton of development.

The clue here is that the Lakers are more than ready to move forward without James. Sure, they'd probably like to have him back. He's been the face of the team for years. But, if it doesn't work out, they've drafted a player who can help them move forward with the stars that they already have solidified for the future.