Why LeBron James Felt Lakers 'Took Him for Granted' After Breaking NBA Combined Wins Record
ESPN reported James saw the game-ball snub as part of a broader pattern, with his two-year deal expired and free agency undecided.
- On Wednesday, LeBron James felt the Los Angeles Lakers took him for granted when General Manager Rob Pelinka gave the game ball to head coach JJ Redick instead of James following his milestone victory, sources said.
- The incident reflects a broader pattern of tension; James believed the organization began pushing him out during the trade for Luka Doncic, according to sources.
- James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career wins in NBA history with his 1,229th victory, while teammates Doncic topped 15,000 career points and Rui Hachimura reached 5,000.
- Having concluded his 23rd NBA season, James faces an expired two-year contract and has made no decision about his future, though Pelinka stated the Lakers want him back.
- Following the second-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, James said he would "recalibrate" with his family before determining whether to play a 24th season.
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Why LeBron James felt Lakers 'took him for granted' after breaking NBA combined wins record
LeBron James was left dismayed after Rob Pelinka opted to give the game ball to JJ Redick over him and his teammates when he broke the all-time wins record.
Report: LeBron James had a petty complaint about the Lakers
Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to being called for a foul against the Utah Jazz in the last minute of the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports LeBron James apparently felt slighted by the Los Angeles Lakers over a seemingly insignificant issue. The Lakers star James got upset with the team after a win in March over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dave McM…
Rob Pelinka Reportedly Made Controversial Decision That Could Push LeBron James Toward Lakers Exit
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering another offseason filled with uncertainty — and once again, much of the spotlight revolves around LeBron James. After falling short against the defending NBA champions in the playoffs while dealing with injuries to Luka Doncic, the Lakers now face major questions about the future of the franchise, including whether LeBron will remain in Los Angeles. While the team remains hopeful about retaining both James and…
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