NBA News: LeBron James Rumors Leaving Lakers Shot Down By Player Agent

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to freefall, something that raises concerns about the franchise’s future relationship with LeBron James.

There is no telling what is going on in the mind of the 17-time NBA All-Star although there are suggestions he may be better off jumping ship and joining other teams that show promise.

Former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins insinuated that James would be better off considering a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and joining forces with the promising young core.

Should that happen, two top young names that the Lakers have been linked to could come in.

Ben Simmons and Jerami Grant are two names that the franchise could take in should the four-time NBA champion opt to leave Hollywood.

Upon learning of this, the idea was immediately shot down by James’ agent Rich Paul according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

He alleged that according to Paul, James is not leaving the Lakers although he added that infusing young legs into the Lakers’ mix is something needed.

But with the Lakers strapped for cash, Los Angeles can do only so much.

If not James, most are singling out Russell Westbrook as the potential trade bait to make it happen.

Since joining the Lakers in the offseason, the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player has hardly proven his worth.

Although he has had his moments, the performance of Westbrook has not been consistent.

Unless head coach Frank Vogel and general manager Rob Pelinka find ways to win with their current cast, a potential NBA trade could go down before the deadline in February.

Between James and Westbrook, it appears the latter is more likely to go.

Aside from injuries that have compounded the Lakers’ woes, players being held off due to the league’s health and safety protocols has become a big problem.

It is a development that has affected not only the Lakers but other NBA teams as well.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Lakers have turned to signing free agents to serve as replacement players.

Jemerrio Jones and Mason Jones are coming in on 10-day deals although both are expected to merely fill in gaps for the Lakers in their upcoming games.

Both have been shining in the G League, but their long-term fit in Hollywood will depend on how they can help turn things around for the embattled 17-time NBA champions.