LeBron James Clarifies Comments About Lakers Roster amid Trade Rumors

According to the Athletic's Sam Amick, "Lebron James made it clear that his patience is waning" during an interview regarding the Los Angeles Lakers' reluctance to trade future first-round picks.

"Y'all know what's going on," James said. I don't need to say anything.

There were a few things that he cleared up.

LeBron James @KingJames

Upmost respect and calmness cause that's the mood I'm in! Your welcome! 5 game winning streak. 😉👑

The team's current five-game winning streak includes the team's current 2-10) start. Any team with James and Anthony Davis will pose a threat in the playoffs, even if they don't win the title.

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee

We've known for a few years that LeBron James would be positioned to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer this season. I couldn't imagine he'd be hunting down Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a Ferrari instead of the horse & buggy every other 38 year old or 20-year vet would be using.

Hardwood Paroxysm @HPbasketball

The most successful run of LeBron's career was in Miami where *he wasn't in charge.* He had influence! He had power! But in Miami, people do the jobs they're paid to do. The coaches coach, the players play, the front office front-offices.

It's not know-how, it's organization.

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie

The Lakers are essentially in a tie for the last play-in spot, and only 1.5 games out of an actual playoff spot.

Legit think this front office has a duty to LeBron/AD to make a move. This team fights and can make a legit run. They're not far off.

It's not a guarantee that you'll get into the playoffs. The Lakers are 12th in the West and don't have a lot of chemistry with their superstars. While Russell Westbrook has embraced a role off the bench and played well since making the change, his poor perimeter shooting and preference to be an on-ball guard still doesn't meshes well with James' skill set.

James told Amick that the president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and the governor were doing what they thought was best for the team.

He told the interviewer that he plays the game. Who is in the locker room is a concern for me. It's not my job, I can't do that. I can't do other people's jobs.

What is the current team's ceiling? It's difficult to imagine a team that started the season 2-10) and was under.500 in January winning a title. The Lakers might struggle to make the playoffs due to the clear roster holes and imperfect fits.

The only way to make improvements would be to get rid of their first- and second-round picks in the next two drafts.

The Lakers haven't done so yet. James insists that he is not pushing the team to make changes. It's difficult to imagine that he isn't aware of the Lakers' limitations.