Lakers News: LeBron James Upset With Rob Pelinka’s Trade Inactivity, Reveals NBA Insider

The Los Angeles Lakers had previously locked their target on the Atlanta Hawks‘ guard Dejounte Murray for a trade deal but that did not bear any fruit. So, they watched the trade deadline close in without making any moves in the trade market. However, when Spencer Dinwiddie was waived by the Toronto Raptors, the Lakers immediately swooped in to secure another guard on their roster. They are now waiting for Spencer to clear his waivers, after which they will sign him.

Spencer was the only player the Lakers could sign, which also went down only after the deadline. Seeing the level of inactivity in the trade market, their superstar LeBron James is disgruntled at the Lakers’ GM and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, and the management for not making any major moves. Jovan Buha of The Athletic gives us an insight into the situation.

Speaking with The Volume, Buha reveals that LeBron is undoubtedly frustrated at how things played out. He says, “To LeBron, he doesn’t care about a 2029 first-round pick. To LeBron, it’s like, ‘I want to maximize this season even if the roster is 1% better. That’s what I want.'” LeBron wanted the management to make a move in the trade market. He will be 40 by the end of the year, and there is no guarantee that either he or Anthony Davis will be healthy next season. So, he was waiting for the Lakers to revamp the roster. “At some point, he realized they weren’t going to do something or weren’t gonna do something significant and he’s been a little upset about it,” Buha adds.

This frustration is understandable considering how the Lakers are not able to make any significant impact this season. So, what options does the Akron Hammer have?

LeBron could go all out with his player option

Bron’s contract with the Lakers allows him a player option for $51.4 million for the next season. This means he can either stay or walk out as a free agent. There are two instances where he can move on from the Purple and Gold in the summer. First, if the team is unable to win a title this season, the culmination of all the disappointment could drive him out.

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Then, if the Lakers do not draft his eldest son Bronny, he will want out. Papa James had made it clear that he would love to play with his son before he retired. So, he would preferably opt for a team that drafts Bronny. Regardless, if LeBron asks for a trade, it will be his first-ever trade request.

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Should LeBron request a trade in the summer? Which team would be a perfect fit for the 4X NBA Champion? Share your thoughts!