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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) acknowledges the crowd after he was introduced as the NBA’s all time leading scorer during in the first half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) acknowledges the crowd after he was introduced as the NBA’s all time leading scorer during in the first half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have not been able to dig themselves out of trouble this season. Even with the second half of the season on them, they are yet to figure things out. While the blame has passed on many people, it is clear that something has to change within the organization. However, the one making the major change seems to be LeBron James himself. And fans were not happy.
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The Lakers’ management made a controversial choice when they went for Russell Westbrook during the off-season. Despite all the promises of making things work, things have not fallen in place for them. While Russ and Frank Vogel were under fire for a while, it seems the attention is now going to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
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via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
So far, Pelinka has given LeBron what he wants and given him the freedom to shape the team. However, despite all that, it seems Pelinka has made the King’s cutting list. Recently, LeBron was thoroughly impressed with Sam Presti and wants him in charge.
LeBron James ready to make big change?
Rob Pelinka is the man responsible for the way the Lakers shape up every season. While he did a great job mostly, the entry of LeBron shifted the focus. James became the final say in matters and was also the big reason the purple and gold went with Russell Westbrook. While that move hasn’t worked out, it seems James isn’t liking Pelinka at the front office. Hence, he wants Oklahoma City Thunder’s Sam Presti to take charge according to an NBA GM. And Lakers fans are tired of their team.
It never ends with this damn team
— KGAINEZ (@kgainezcreates) February 27, 2022
Is LeBron an owner or a player? Some point you gotta draw a line. https://t.co/ZtoRXOzF2Q
— Pelicans Waterboi (@pelsn4) February 27, 2022
Oh Bron just retire for fucc sake https://t.co/FBOjUsoTt7
— Kirt⛷ (Mohawk Russ) (@BraidedShai) February 27, 2022
Sam Presti would cost you another 20 draft picks. https://t.co/65P13fucMZ
— Stringer Bell’s Glasses (@parkwayyydre) February 27, 2022
LEAVE MY GM ALONE DUDE https://t.co/VtIssp3Bje
— Anthony War (@Anthony_War_23) February 27, 2022
He needs to fire himself. How do people not realize it’s all his decisions https://t.co/tMZFov4pzQ
— Beeg. (@Pels_Fan) February 27, 2022
Not even Sam Presti can save that team lol https://t.co/Bc81tVarsb
— Turd Ferguson (@TyNOLA5) February 27, 2022
Why would Bron try to get another GM when he’s the one putting teams together? https://t.co/Ke1YZV5FY6
— K. Mehrabian (@KMehrabianCCM) February 27, 2022
While these are only reports, Presti does have some great history with picks. As a GM, Presti has made some good and some bad choices through his reign with Oklahoma. However, he was responsible for putting together one of the best young talents in NBA drafting, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in simultaneous years. Moreover, he assembled a great roster around them and they even made it to the finals against LeBron James’ Miami Heat.
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via Getty
EDMOND, OK – OCTOBER 1: Serge Ibaka #9, Russell Westbrook #0, James Harden #13 and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder pose for a portrait during 2012 NBA Media Day on October 1, 2012 at the Thunder Events Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Conclusion
It is safe to say Sam Presti knows how to put a team together. Moreover, he understands Russell Westbrook well after spending all the years with him during his long tenure with the Thunder. With LeBron heading his final years, it seems he is trying to do anything to get another championship under his belt. But is this the solution?
READ MORE: LeBron James Trashed “Selfish” Kobe Bryant During 2008 Olympics
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There is no guarantee how the Lakers will do with a new GM. But the way Pelinka has handled the purple and gold, it hasn’t seemed to work out with his own moves. Moreover, Presti has the experience and great basketball insight on his side. It is safe to say Jeanie Buss and the Lakers have a big call to take.
Do you think they will pull the plug? Let us know in the comments below.
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