After playing for 20 seasons in the NBA, LeBron James is definitely a veteran of the sport. Due to his accolades and experience, he is one of the most influential players on the team of Lakers. But this influence of his on the team sometimes pays off or fails miserably. So whenever something wrong happens with the team, they point all fingers toward James. But when the team performs well, it?s labeled team effort.

While he did help lead the squad to a title in 2020, his effect on the roster has been a topic of controversy. Even a Hall of Famer spoke about this in a recent interview. And not only him, but a Lakers insider even spoke up about this incident and cleared the air.

The Lakers? insider comes in support of James

LeBron James has achieved everything that the sport of basketball has to offer. That is why he is given the nickname King James. He even led the Lakers to win their 17th NBA title, defeating the Miami Heat in the Finals. He was selected Finals MVP, making him the only player in NBA history to do it four times. James has also been named to the NBA All-Star team 19 times, including five times while playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2020, James even led the NBA in assists, averaging 10.2 per game. He even surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA?s all-time scoring lead.

So after achieving so much to have a say in the team, matter does not come off as a shock. Only, James has been accused of wielding too much power over the Lakers? personnel selections, which has led to some dubious actions. The Lakers, for example, traded for Russell Westbrook in 2021, but the deal did not go as anticipated. And because of this, the Lakers missed the playoffs because Westbrook failed to fit in with the squad.

So the Lakers insider, Mark Gunnels, spoke up about this matter. He said, ?I do think there was a point in LeBron?s career where he did have a heavy influence on roster construction. Especially during the second stint in Cleveland. 7 years they didn?t win a championship, so he went to Miami. And in Miami, I think is when things got cut off. Cause you know Pat Riley, he is very hands on and is not going to let somebody come in there and just run his operation.

He continues: ?So that?s why during the second stint, when he went back to Cleveland, he had more influence cause they were just so happy to have LeBron James back. But for the Lakers, I don?t think that?s the case either, cause if LeBron James had his way, I think Kyrie would probably be at Los Angeles Lakers now. But does LeBron have input? Sure, it would be na?ve to say that LeBron doesn?t have any input. But I don?t think he is the guy pulling the strings or gets any final decisions.??

The NBA legend talks about James? influence

The Utah Jazz?s legendary point guard who is regarded as one of the best in his time is.?He has played 19 seasons in the NBA and in every season of his; he managed to get his team to the playoffs.

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The 10x All-Star even holds the record for the number of career assists and steals in the NBA. So Stockton is a very well-respected player. And during his latest appearance on a podcast, he spoke up about James? influence on his teams.

He said, ?I don?t know what it?s like to sit in that front office and have things dictating to you like a plan, and it appears LeBron is?. He even added, ?I don?t know for sure that he is, but it appears so, I think it would be maddening as a teammate to know that you can be expendable for one of his guys that he thinks he needs to play with?.?

So the influence of LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers is a dynamic mix of power and controversy. He helped the team succeed on the court, but some people are questioning his role in choosing the roster. What do you think about James? influence on the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.

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