The Los Angeles Lakers have significantly underachieved during the 2021-22 NBA season. They hold a 27-32 record and hold the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings after many considered them as being a championship-contender.
During his media availability at NBA All-Star Weekend, James had praise for Thunder general manager Sam Presti for his impressive draft record—calling him “pretty damn good.”
“The MVP over there is Sam Presti. He the MVP. I mean, Josh Giddey is great, but Sam Presti — I don’t understand this guy’s eye for talent,” said James. “He drafted KD, Russ, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey and the list goes on and on and on. This guy’s pretty damn good.”
There’s been speculation about whether James was taking a dig at Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. However, he tried to dispel that notion recently—stating that he was just simply praising Presti, and nothing more.
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According to Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher, an Eastern Conference GM told him that James was “trying” to get Sam Presti to replace Rob Pelinka as the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I heard that he was trying to get Sam Presti in there to replace Rob,” the second Eastern Conference GM said. “I don’t see that happening, but I could see him trying to get Pelinka out of there.”
Perhaps the strangest part about such a rumor (if it’s true), is that LeBron James has gotten what he’s asked for. There’s been a strange line of thinking from some where James should be absolved of blame for the Russell Westbrook trade since he isn’t the actual GM is an interesting thought.
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James has recently distanced himself from his own blockbuster trade by stating that he “don’t press no buttons” when it comes to the construction of the Lakers roster. Keep in mind, Pelinka was close to finalizing a trade for Buddy Hield before James’ input shifted course to a Westbrook trade.
“I don’t push the buttons,” James said. “They ask for my opinion, and I voice my opinion and what I believe. But I don’t press any buttons. That’s what our front office is for, and that’s what our leadership group is for.
“I don’t press no buttons. So we can state that right now.”
