Just before the start of free agency, it was revealed that LeBron James would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for his 24th NBA season. James would take his time and weigh out all of his potential options before deciding to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rumors would circulate about why James chose not to return, even refusing to have a sit down with Lakers’ brass. But with the shocking news of the sale of the franchise to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, some are wondering whether them being in place earlier could have led to James remaining with the purple and gold. And according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, it could have helped:
ESPN asked a source close to James if the sale had gone through sooner whether it could have had any influence on James wanting to stay in L.A.
“Maybe,” the source said. “But that’s tough to answer. Communication could have been better [with Iger and Kushner, compared to Walter]. Just a different relationship. But the basketball piece was the most important, so maybe not from that standpoint.”
As was noted, a different style of communication from ownership could have made a difference with James, or at the least he could have been more open to a meeting in free agency. But basketball fit was more important and Iger and Kushner being in charge wouldn’t change the fact that James felt it was a better move basketball-wise to join the 76ers.
How things will differ now with Iger and Kushner at the helm will be found out over the coming months and years. Walter had already begun doing a lot in terms of filling out the front office staff and making roster moves to better build the team around Luka Doncic. But that may not align with what Iger and Kushner want, so there could indeed be some organizational changes around the way.
Ultimately, it was time for James and the Lakers to part ways as they both greatly benefitted from the partnership, but are now at different points.
Could Chris Paul join Lakers’ front office?
While James is now gone from the franchise, one of his closest friends could potentially be on the way. Recently-retired point guard Chris Paul has a close relationship with Iger from his time with the L.A. Clippers and because of that, there are some who feel Paul could join the Lakers in a front office role.
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