All the tumultuous times are past us, as the majority of trades are finalized these past few days. Even LeBron decided to come around and sign his official contract extension with the Lakers for 2 years. But he signed that contract at $3 million less to make room for a championship-worthy star to come in. After having spent close to 7 years with the franchise, and possibly his last couple of years in the league, he wants to go out with a bang – for him, it means a championship.

Bron’s eye was on Klay Thompson, who decided to go to Dallas to realize his dreams. Then, the Lakers tried really hard to get James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and even Jonas Valanciunas. But to no avail. They even tried to get their hands on Buddy Hield, but ironically he chose the Warriors. But it seems not getting Klay Thompson in was the biggest hit the Lakers faced in the past week. Despite being a 20X All-Star, LeBron was willing to take less to make room for the “impact player”. Many would feel it would be Rob Pelinka’s fault or others from the Lakers’ front office, but while talking to ESPN in an interview, Bron feels it was just business.

“It takes two to tango,” said LeBron. “At the end of the day, I think, you know, our front office and our coaching staff, they try to do the job that they wanted to do, or try to get guys to come and just, it didn’t happen. But that’s okay. It’s part of the business.”

LeBron James’s remarks come just a few days after sports television personality Nick Wright reportedly claimed that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was giving less priority to the acquisitions. While the franchise may not have any one of the three players they set out to seek, they do currently hold over 6 future second-round draft picks and 5 future first-round draft picks to their name. These give Rob Pelinka something to bargain with for players like Zach LaVine.

According to Wright, the general manager is prioritizing the draft picks “because GMs get complimented and flowers laid at their feet in the media for having ‘Oh, so they have their War chest’. Like I think… Right Savvy GMs.”

If Wright was true, and Rob Pelinka’s focus is towards the draft picks, then his recent statement has shown that LeBron James has not chosen to punish him over the same. Rather, he has agreed that the management did their best, but it was the differing mindset of Klay Thompson and others that made them consider other options.

Are LeBron James and Rob Pelinka not on the same page?

Through his pay cut offer, LeBron James made it clear that his eyes were on Klay Thompson. According to reporter Chris Haynes, the same offer would have even been extended to DeMar DeRozan. However, after both players did not choose to come in, questions were raised on what was causing the franchise to not land on a proper agreement. When the same question would be asked to former Boston Celtics star Kendrick Perkins, he would attribute the same to the differing opinions between LeBron James and Rob Pelinka.

During a recent segment of First Take, the 39-year-old analyst applauded LeBron James for securing a 2-year $104 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. At the same time, he questioned why Pelinka had the opportunity to take in Thompson without taking in any extra financial strain and still backed out. All of this proved to the former player that what LeBron wants may not necessarily be what the GM needs.

“To my understanding, they don’t seem to be on the same wavelength,” said Perkins. “As for LeBron, his motive behind taking a pay cut is quite transparent. He yearns for high-stake victories each time he steps onto the court. LeBron James always has championship wins in his mind. On the other hand, Rob Pelinka seems to be investment-minded and is future-focused.”

At 39 years of age, LeBron James does not have too much time remaining in the league. Therefore, the Lakers have to plan out for a future where a team could be built around Anthony Davis or another capable player. The four-time champion, who is also aware of his age, wants to make the best use of now and secure a fifth ring before he finally calls it quits. With one individual’s eye focusing on the present and the other’s on the future, it would be easy for clashes to take place. The only way that the Lakers could build their roster up is by deciding what the main priority is.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.