The Los Angeles Lakers are being careful with LeBron James this season. For the first time in his career, James is on an expiring contract. There is no clear plan for what comes after this year. His agent, Rich Paul, has told the Lakers to take a long-term view with him.
LeBron is expected to be at the Lakers’ first practice on Tuesday, but he will take it easy on the court. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that LeBron’s camp wants the team to be “overly cautious” in Year 23 of his career.
At a recent press conference, Lakers president Rob Pelinka and new head coach JJ Redick made it clear that LeBron’s future is completely his choice. Pelinka emphasized that LeBron has earned the right to decide how many more years he wants to play. “The first thing we want to do is give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family,” Pelinka said.
Despite this public show of respect, commentator Skip Bayless suggested that Pelinka’s words may have another purpose. He thinks the Lakers are quietly trying to nudge LeBron toward retirement. Bayless called it a “cold war” between LeBron and the Lakers and said Pelinka may be easing him into a retirement announcement.
If true, that would be surprising and could raise questions about the relationship between James and Pelinka. The offseason has been unusual, and the tone heading into the new season has been tense.
Retirement may be approaching for LeBron, but it will be his decision alone. No one else should be trying to force his hand, and if Pelinka is doing that, it would mark a troubling development in their relationship.