The rumors surrounding LeBron James’ uncertain future with the Los Angeles Lakers are about to get a lot louder.
During this Wednesday’s practice, Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that James is not with the team right now. The first-year head coach told reporters, “He’s out for personal reasons, excused absence.” The future Hall of Famer missed last Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. His last appearance was on Dec. 6 when he had 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The timing of James’ absence is interesting to say the least. There has been a lot of chatter about him potentially being traded before this season’s deadline.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst reported on “Get Up” that James will have the final say in whether or not he’s moved. If he’s willing to be dealt, the Golden State Warriors could make a run at him.
“The Warriors have dreamed of pairing LeBron with Steph Curry and Draymond Green since last year,” Windhorst said, via Bleacher Report. “They’ve made an inquiry and it got shut down last February. That was before LeBron played with Steve Kerr and Steph Curry and won the gold medal over the summer. So, they will definitely monitor the situation, and I don’t think they do anything without knowing this door is locked, but I would just say with LeBron, it’s up to him. He has a no-trade clause and he has given no indication he wants the Lakers to do anything but upgrade the roster they’ve got, not that he wants to go anywhere.”
James has already acknowledged that he won’t be in the NBA much longer. He recently told reporters. “My time is running short, so I don’t know how much longer I will be playing, but I am happy to still be in the game I love.”
Hopefully, James can return to the hardwood soon and make a few more memories that’ll last a lifetime for NBA fans.
At the end of the day though, all the Lakers can do right now is give James the space he needs.
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