![](https://web.archive.org/web/20100302134058im_/http://www.blogcdn.com/nba.fanhouse.com/media/2010/02/lebron-200x200.jpg)
But this most recent rumor? The one from Roland Lazenby that suggests LeBron James has begun to make it known to the Lakers that they are his destination of choice next season? Now, at this very moment, things have officially gone too far.
Before we tear down the notion that this could possibly ever happen in our universe, it's probably best that we start with the obligatory citation:
The greatest NBA free agent of all time, LeBron James, is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation. Bryant, of course, has yet to sign a contract extension with L.A. and could wind up a free-agent himself, albeit one with high mileage.
But the overtures have been made. LeBron wants to wear the purple and gold. Mainly, he wants to wear a championship ring, which means he wants to play for Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Where does one begin with statements as silly as these? Let's start with Kobe Bryant.
It's true that Bryant hasn't yet signed an extension with the Lakers, and that yes, if he wanted to, he could become a free agent. But no one in their right mind actually thinks this will happen; Bryant is simply waiting until the season is over to get the contract stuff done so as not to let it become a distraction during the team's campaign to try to repeat as champions. Bryant is going to end his career as a member of the Lakers, and it would take a highly unlikely series of circumstances to prevent him from doing so.
One of the theories where Bryant might not continue with the Lakers revolves around the re-signing (or not) of the team's current head coach, Phil Jackson. Just as Lazenby has in the past, at the end of this current piece on LeBron and his "overtures," he details the supposed power struggle going on behind the scenes in the Lakers front office. Specifically, the fact that Phil Jackson's deal too is up at the end of this season, and that, at a price of $12 million a season, the team's ownership may want to go in another direction.
Bryant is likely to be very vocal when it comes to the team retaining Jackson's services, and the fact that he has his yet-to-be-signed extension as a bargaining chip makes it all the more likely that Phil will be back as the head coach for as long as he wants to be. And this is where the pairing of LeBron and Kobe begins to fall apart. Because unless Bryant and his max contract leave town, how in the world are the Lakers supposed to fit James and his (required) max deal under the team's salary cap?
The simple answer is, they're not. LeBron James doesn't get to play with Kobe Bryant and be coached by Phil Jackson, unless the team completely guts itself of all essential components to a run at a championship. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum: all gone, if LeBron is to be signed by the Lakers.
So yeah, there's no way this is happening. Did Lazenby simply make this up? Of course not; he cites one of his "best inside sources, a close Jackson associate," and even quotes this person a few times throughout the article.
An anonymous source is a journalist's best friend, especially one that can be quoted with fairly innocuous comments, which can later be extrapolated into something much more ominous that would have a juicier impact on the league at large.
Just to be perfectly clear, I'm not insinuating in any way that Lazenby is fabricating any of this. But it's so preposterous that it is, at the very least, irresponsible to write this up with a "LeBron a Laker?" headline. Even for someone who, not so coincidentally, has a new book out on Lakers legend Jerry West, and links to its Amazon.com purchase page at the end of the story.
Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Cleveland will give the man anything he wants to keep him happy and get him to remain in Cleveland - anyone who thinks something else is just kidding themselves and being foolish
I would never underestimate the Lakers chances of signing anyone. There was a time when people laughed about the idea of them getting Wilt Chamberlin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neill, all of whom helped hang Championship banners for the franchise. I don't think Dr. Buss will go after James, but Chris Bosche, that may be a different story.
Maddog left out the fact that the Laker's also got Worthy, Gasol and Kobe via trade (as well as a BUNCH of other talent). Don't put it past the Laker's to trade for LeBron, especially when you factor in the point of living in LA versus Cleveland!!! (That isn't even a choice that can be considered a decent comparison).
Maybe LeBron wants to start to make REAL bank in the 2nd-largest television market and #1 STAR market in the Country??? (Did I REALLY put LA and Cleveland in the same sentence with regard to living??? - OMG, what is the World coming too???) LeBron would be STUPID to turn down an offer to come to LA, but it isn't going to happen. Dr. Buss won't let Kobe go and the Laker's won't "gut the roster" in order for LeBron to be there.
Like Boston, the culture of winning that's there, makes it a "priviledge" to be there (and not visa versa like it is in Cleveland). Most players need to be prepared to make sacrifices on the "playing side" to make it up in "endorsement $$$" on the other side to play there.
Besides, who in Cleveland can buy LeBron out of his house??? The owner??? Dr. Buss isn't going to pay LeBron "relocation expenses" to come to the Laker's... LOL.
wow that would be interesting, except theres too much competition for all those players to play for the lakers, althought nice thought
i think its a very possible situation but with different occurances first kobe said he will hand over the crown after one more ring if we get it this year kobe can opt out of his contract becoming a free agent and opting to retire and ride off into the sunset with enough rings for one hand, and alltime laker scoring leader. leaving lebron his throne here in laker land
bringing us to our 3peat that the zen master is known for.
You never know what will happen. If Wayne Gretzky can get traded, Lebron can sign with The Lakers. I know one thing for sure, if he did sign with The Lakers. dennyd427, Jeremy (LAWNBOY), Mr.G ( Mr.Gieco), and ppppentz65 ( PEE PEE Pants) would all be upset.And they would stop posting comments on these blogs.
Whatever credibility Roland Lazenby HAD, should be stripped and flushed. This is the most irresponsible and malicious load of hogwash I have ever read. Nobody in their right mind could take it the least bit serious, and this guy puts his name on it? Incredibly stupid.
I think this story is quite feasible. The Lakers have many advantages over any market in the US: a team with a tradition of winning, the centre of the television and film industry, a great climate and plenty of star power. Remember that Shaq left Orlando after having been with them in the Finals. There is a possibility, however small, that LeBron will leave too.
Perhaps the Lebron rumour is true, perhaps it isn't. We'll only find out if the Lakers are able create cap space and sign him. Personally, I think LeBron would be a better fit in Jackson's triangle than Kobe. I also think he won't leave Cleveland. But if he were to leave, I think he would rather go to the Lakers than New York or Miami or any other team with cap space.
Little Boy, you are a complete retard. Go to bed and STFU
Who would want to play with Kobe......he's a snitch....." Well, Shaq did it" I'll never forget him trying to get his ass out of that trouble in Colorado by saying that Shaq ran around on his ol lady. What a bitch!!!
I report solid information. LeBron has made overtures. If people can't handle that fact, I'm sorry.
If lebron goes to the laker with kobe you dont need no one else just them two alone could make a team
LeBron has already made a decision......it's Cleveland, he's staying!!
trust me I know for a FACT!!
I just can't see this working out financially. Let's not kid ourselves there is no way the Lakers will let Kobe walk after they gave him the keys to the franchise just a few years ago.
Mr.Lazenby if thats really you, instead of coming on here to defend yourself you should also apologize to Jeannie Buss for making it sound like in your article that she just exist for, as you put it, Phil's tubbing pleasure.
The year before Shaq came to the lakers my 10 year old son and I were in a costco in southern California. James Worthy and Ken Norton were giving people samples of a soft drink they were promoting. They were also signing autographs. My son started talking to James Worthy and he told my son Shaq will be a laker next year. Sure enough it came to pass. So much for the league tampering rules. It does seem that LeBron is kind of messing with the team and the city if he was going to resign, so you never know what will happen.
it's not ridiculous if that's where lebron wants to be he could sign a 1 year deal he makes enough in endorsements especially if he wants to win championships kobe wouldn't have it though he forced shaq out he doesn't want to be the second best guy or have any competition he wants secondary guys like gasol/artest plus how much more in endorsements would lebron make it won't happen because lebron will demand a max contract players say they want to win but there egos won't let them take less money
Why is it so ridiculous to think someone cares more about winning than getting paid? And LBJ has the advantage of getting paid from other sources.
Not saying this will ever happen, but it's not all that outrageous.
Mr. G , oh come now, you can do better than little boy. Wait, I am sorry I know who your boy toy is and who your referring too. Being you're the CEO of Geico, you can afford to put your money where your mouth is. And remember, It's so easy a caveman can do it.
if the lakers picked up LeBron james and keep bryant that would be a great team but then we will lose Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and that would suck since Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum r all great players under the net and who would we will pick up for them to play over the net then???