LeBron James expressed feeling undervalued by the Lakers after breaking the NBA combined wins record. Despite his leadership, the team faced challenges in the playoffs, raising questions about his future with the franchise.
Key points
LeBron James broke the NBA combined wins record
He felt undervalued by the Lakers
The Lakers faced injuries during the season
They were eliminated by the Thunder in the playoffs
Questions about LeBron's future with the team are emerging
Mentioned in this story
LeBron James
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsOklahoma City Thunder
LeBron James' time in Tinseltown has been filled with highlights. But after eight years, there are questions about just what the future holds.
The Lakers supernova took on a third option role as Los Angeles surged up the Western Conference ranks in the second half of the season. But as injuries swept through the roster, James felt compelled to take charge.
His efforts were not in vain. Fueled by the 41-year-old, the Lakers downed the Rockets in six games before falling to the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
Things remain up in the air for James and his longtime employers. A recent report indicates that the relationship between player and franchise might not be as rosy as it once appeared -- especially not after a perceived slight from Lakers management was directed at James during the regular season.
Q&A
Why did LeBron James feel taken for granted by the Lakers?
LeBron James felt the Lakers undervalued his contributions, especially after he broke the NBA combined wins record.
What challenges did the Lakers face in the playoffs?
The Lakers faced injuries to their roster and were eliminated by the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
How did LeBron James perform during the Lakers' playoff run?
LeBron James played a crucial role in leading the Lakers past the Rockets in six games before their playoff exit.
What does LeBron James' future look like with the Lakers?
After eight years with the Lakers and recent challenges, there are growing questions about LeBron James' future with the team.
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Why LeBron James felt Lakers 'took him for granted'
James' tenure with the Lakers has served as a coronation of sorts, giving him an opportunity to relish in the joy of seeing records previously believed to be unbreakable turn to dust with each passing season.
On March 31, the NBA's all-time leading scorer added another feather to his quill-laden cap. Los Angeles bested the Cavaliers, 127-112, its 16th win in 18 games.
The result proved notable for multiple reasons. James captured the 1,229th victory of his career (combined regular season and playoffs). That gave him the NBA record all for himself -- James was previously tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for first place.
Luka Doncic and Rui Hachimura added to the fireworks, topping 15,000 and 5,000 points, respectively, during the contest.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick recognized the accomplishments during his postgame locker room speech, eliciting applause from the players and coaches alike.
General manager Rob Pelinka strode into the room, hands clasped around the game ball. Instead of handing the orb to James, Doncic or Hachimura, Pelinka gave it to Redick, who has just stood watch over his 100th coaching win.
Pelinka's decision drew the ire of James, who believed the move was another example of "the Lakers taking him for granted", per McMenamin.
Redick wasn't the target of James' ill feelings, McMenamin reported. He and Redick have a "great relationship," per McMenamin, with a source close to James saying the Los Angeles forward feels Redick's hiring is "one thing the Lakers got right."
Rather, James was left frustrated by the fact that he didn't receive credit for his contributions to his team's success. Los Angeles' winning run was partly anchored by James' willingness to cede touches to Doncic and Austin Reaves, serving as the third option for the first time in his career.
Per McMenamin, James left the arena without changing his clothes. He was left "simmering" from the perceived indignation.
James returned to prominence during the postseason, leading Los Angeles past the heavily favored Rockets with Doncic and Reaves on the mend due to injuries.
James will be an unrestricted free agent when the season concludes. It's unclear whether he'll return to the sport in 2026-27, although he seems likelier to lace his shoes up than not. However, where he will do so remains to be seen. Los Angeles is believed to be building around Doncic and Reaves, with McMenamin reporting that the franchise even partook in a parlor game of sorts to try to accurately gauge James' value.
"An onlooker was asked to observe James play for a stretch, disregard his name and age and evaluate his play to come up with a salary number that 'anonymous' player would deserve next season," McMenamin wrote.
The gesture appears to indicate that there remains questions on just how much the Lakers would offer James should they choose to attempt to retain his services. He is expected to be reasonable when he hits the free agent market, especially if Los Angeles attempts to make plays at additional talent at other positions.
When asked if he had any qualms with the Lakers following their Game 4 loss to the Thunder, James was upbeat.
"There's no static from me," James said.
Los Angeles is believed to think similarly. Still, it will be interesting to see how things shift in the days, weeks and months to come.
