‘Klutch Mafia’ Led by Lebron & Lakers Star Suspected to Have Full Control Over NBA Trade Talks, as Per ESPN Employee

LeBron James and the Lakers have struggled to find playoff success ever since their title run back in 2020. The following years James and company either missed the playoffs or faced early exits apart from the 2023 postseason run. Not only that but there have been multiple changes in the roster. Talks about James leaving the Lakers started to flood after the Nuggets eliminated them in the first round.

However, there is quite some backstory to the same which keeps James from leaving Hollywood. Anthony Davis signed a $177 million contract extension in August last year, keeping the big man till 2025. Hypothetically, if such an event were to play out, James would have plenty of options. Not to mention the Bronny situation which would ultimately divert LeBron’s attention from any other destinations if he does look to explore.

His former teammate, Kendrick Perkins elaborated on how the King cannot leave AD behind, considering that both are from the same sports agency. “Man, ‘Bron ain’t going no where! He don’t need to go to the Knicks. The Knicks don’t need ‘Bron. Yeah, stay out of their way. Now, going to Philly? Ok, I could see that. I could see that, going and play with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, you know what I’m saying… At the end of the day, your partner is Anthony Davis. Ya’ll in the same Klutch mafia. Where y’all goin’? You can’t leave AD hangin’. If not then blow up the whole thing! AD just signed his contract extension last offseason, so what you doin’?”, said Perkins.

It is interesting to note that LeBron would consider moving back to the East which might raise some eyebrows considering the lack of success in the West in the last six years. Regardless, as of now, the only possible move that James might pull would depend on his son’s draft. Rich Paul has looked after James and Davis ever since and is active with the current Bronny situation as well.

AD and Bron have had a good few seasons together, but apart from a title run, there haven’t been many seasons that the two would be proud to look back on. The duo will probably play their last season together and the franchise would make sure that it counts.

LeBron and AD are down to their last dance

After 5 seasons together, the duo will be looking at one last season before either LeBron retires or leaves the Lakers. Speculating the same, the front office did not hesitate to make moves right after their season was over. The Lakers fired its entire coaching staff following the early exit against Denver. While the front office is on the lookout for their next head coach, they also plan to add depth to their bench.

We saw the true dominance of James and AD at the end of the regular season. With not a lot of games remaining, the duo picked up their pace, securing a safe Play-In spot. After going past the Pelicans, the Lakers had all the momentum they needed backed by their dynamic duo. Looking at the level of performance James and AD have showcased, the only thing the team lacks would be a reliable shooter, a responsible guard, and a role player for the paint.

It would be tough to imagine the two playing for the last time, but it still isn’t completely the case. In the end, it’s all up to James and similarly, his decision would only reflect after scouting Bronny’s draft reports. Do you think Bronny can land on the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.