LeBron James made several sacrifices during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season but one particular moment reportedly left the four-time champion feeling overlooked by the organization.
For the first time in his NBA career, James entered a season on an expiring contract. He also missed Opening Night and the first 14 games of the season due to injury, another first for the Lakers superstar.
Frustration from James reached a boiling point after a regular season win that also marked a historic milestone in his career.
“The win was the 1,229th of James’ career and moved him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most victories by any player in NBA history (combined regular season and playoffs),” McMenamin wrote for ESPN. “Not to mention, it came on a night when Luka Doncic topped 15,000 career points and Rui Hachimura reached 5,000.
“Still, James’ celebratory mood didn’t last long.
“Lakers coach JJ Redick had announced all the individual accomplishments in the postgame locker room, eliciting a cascading round of applause by L.A. players and assistant coaches.
“And then Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager, addressed the team. He had the game ball in his hands.
“Rather than hand it to Hachimura or Doncic or James, Pelinka walked to the front of the room and presented the ball to Redick, who had just presided over his 100th coaching win.
“James has a “great” relationship with Redick, sources close to him say — with one telling ESPN that Redick’s hiring is “one thing the Lakers got right.”
After the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs, James remained uncertain about what comes next.
“With my future, I don’t know. Obviously, we’re still fresh from losing. I don’t know what the future holds for me as it stands right now tonight,” James said. “I think I said it last year after we lost to Minnesota, I’ve got to go back and recalibrate with my family, talk with them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”
READ MORE: Luka Doncic Speaks on Injury After Lakers Swept by OKC