LeBron James on Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason roster moves: ‘Not my decision’
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James says he will be hands off when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers offseason decision-making process coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
“That’s not my decision,” James said in a news conference Monday ahead of the team’s exit interviews. “It’s not my decision to sit here and say, ‘Well, this is what we should bring back and have on the roster.’ That would be the front office’s decision. And obviously they may ask my input but at the end of the day, they’ll make the decision they feel that best suits this franchise going forward.”
Since he came to the Lakers in the summer of 2018, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has referred to James as a “stake holder,” allowing for greater influence from the star when it comes to personnel decisions than the typical player-management relationship.
However, after James and Anthony Davis’ input led to L.A. overhauling its roster to trade for Russell Westbrook last summer only to see the team finish just 33-49 and fail to even qualify for the play-in tournament, there appears to be a shift in strategy.
“I think the front office will do whatever it takes to help this ballclub become a better ballclub from top to bottom,” James said. “Ask me my opinion, I’m going to give my opinion. But at the end of the day, they’re going to make the decision that they feel is best for the franchise.”
James was the first of 14 players scheduled to speak to reporters Monday. Pelinka and Lakers coach Frank Vogel were not included on the interview list. The Lakers officially fired Vogel, shortly after James had met with reporters.
Prior to the announcement, James endorsed the coach who he teamed with to win a championship together in 2020.
“I respect Frank as a coach and as a man,” James said. “At the end of the day I don’t know what’s going to happen with Frank and him being here, but I have nothing but respect for him.”
James also…
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Source : espn
