Los Angeles Lakers star small forward LeBron James reportedly expressed concern that the combination of Magic Johnson's messy exit and all the negative Lakers headlines threatened to sabotage the plans for this summer, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Johnson stepped down from his president role near the end of the regular season during an impromptu press conference at Staples Center. The Hall of Famer went on ESPN's “First Take” this Monday and essentially said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was talking behind his back.
The Lakers have cap space this summer to sign a max contract player, but it looks like James is privately worried all the drama in Hollywood might steer free agents away from Los Angeles:
Article Continues BelowEven before Magic’s latest move, sources close to LeBron James expressed concern that the combination of Magic’s messy exit and all the negative Lakers headlines threatened to sabotage their summer. The challenge of convincing another elite star to come to town was already seen as daunting around the league, and now these horrendous optics make that uphill climb far worse. Top-tier talents like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and all the rest of them will have plenty of options when July rolls around, and none – not even the Knicks and certainly not the crosstown Clippers – have the Lakers’ level of dysfunction that’s being exposed right now.
The Lakers pretty much have to sign a star player this summer to pair next to James.
This season proved LeBron can't win in the Western Conference with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart as his supporting cast.