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Was the Los Angeles Lakers star looking for a new general manager? One NBA general manager thinks so.
An Eastern Conference GM told Fox Sports that he heard that he was trying to get Sam Presti in there to replace Rob.
Pelinka didn't make any moves at the trade deadline to address some of the team's issues.
During his All-Star Game media availability, James praised Presti for drafting players like Josh Giddey, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, among others. The veteran was taking a shot at Pelinka.
Ben Golliver @BenGolliverLakers’ LeBron James on Thunder GM Sam Presti: “The MVP over there is Sam Presti… I don’t understand this guy’s eye for talent. He drafted KD, Russ, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey. … This guy is pretty damn good.” pic.twitter.com/mNb35Ggi6P
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul has met with Pelinka and the Lakers owner to assure them that James is committed to the team and winning another championship.
Pelinka provided his own insight into the meeting with The Athletic's Sam Amick.
"I just don't think (communicating indirectly) is the right way of doing business. And I don't think that's who we are, who LeBron is. We have a great partnership with the Lakers. The Klutch Sports Group and the Lakers don't have an issue. Rich Paul and Rob Pelinka don't have an issue. LeBron James and Rob Pelinka don't have an issue. And Jeanie Buss and LeBron and Rich Paul don't have an issue. It's very simple. Very simple. So, you know, whoever put that type of stuff out, and people run with it, I think it's unfair to the Lakers."
There have been other rumors about James possibly leaving the Lakers after his comments about one day returning to Cleveland. He mentioned that his final season in the NBA would be spent with his son, whether it be in L.A. or somewhere else.
James won't be a free agent until 2023. Right now, it should come as no surprise that his focus is on helping the Lakers improve to end the season on a high note.
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