The roller-coaster nature of the NBA season has been a trying time for the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. While he stresses patience with this new project in motion after signing a four-year, $154 million deal with the team, sources close to James say “his frustration level has been visibly high,” according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
The Lakers have gone an expected 6-10 in his 16 games out with a strained groin — the longest absence of his 16-year NBA tenure — constantly testing his patience. They dropped from fourth place (after breezing past the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day) to finding themselves out of the playoffs only a month later.
Los Angeles is hopeful to get James back by Thursday's game against the L.A. Clippers, a game that can turn the tide of their playoff push, as the teams are only separated by 1.5 games for the eighth and final spot in a crowded Western Conference.
The Lakers are under immense pressure to add Anthony Davis before the Feb. 7 trade deadline hits. His presence would be a monumental improvement from the plethora of first-, second-, and third-year players on the roster, finally giving James a superstar partner he can work with and contend.
The LeBron era in Los Angeles hasn't gotten off to the best of starts, and it won't be long before the darts are aimed at the front office after botching the pursuit of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, making this move all the more crucial to Magic Johnson and Paul Pelinka's tenure as front office cogs.
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