AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
A power struggle is said to be taking place within the Los Angeles Lakers with Rob Pelinka at the center of it.
According to Bill Oram of The Athletic, the situation is tense, as James and Klutch Sports Group partner Rich Paul have taken issue with Pelinka for not ceding to their desires.
The Lakers have struggled this season, and Pelinka didn't act at the trade deadline.
A source told Oram that the vibe within the organization feels like the beginning of a war.
The Lakers are currently ninth in the Western Conference with a 27-31 record.
They have been a huge disappointment because they are two seasons removed from a championship and are led by the superstars James and Anthony Davis.
James and Davis have both been injured this season, and Davis is expected to miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. His absence could make it difficult for the Lakers to make a difference.
Pelinka said he was in alignment with James and Davis when he said he wouldn't make a trade at the deadline.
Pelinka was unwilling to part with the team's first-round pick since it likely represents their best chance of making some improvements during the off-season.
Pelinka didn't kowtow to James because the Washington Wizards' acquisition of Russell Westbrook was at James' request.
That move has turned out to be a disaster, as Westbrook has struggled and hasn't meshed well with anyone.
Even if the Lakers make the playoffs, they will be hard-pressed to avoid a first-round exit against a team like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors or Memphis Grizzlies.
If that is the case, it is possible that he could push for the Lakers to trade him during the off-season, as he isn't set to become a free agent until 2023.
After the Lakers lost in the NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, James spoke to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.
When speaking on the subject of potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint, he said the door was not closed. His last season in the NBA will be spent with his son, if he makes it to the league.
It is possible that James is nearing the end of the line in L.A., with the Lakers seemingly nowhere near a championship.
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