Report: Rift Between LeBron James and Lakers Began With 2021 Westbrook Trade and Never Healed
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A report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin indicates that friction between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers was triggered by the 2021 trade for guard Russell Westbrook and never fully mended.
According to McMenamin, the relationship soured during the 2021-22 campaign after the Lakers, at the urging of James and Anthony Davis, shifted from a near-completed deal for Buddy Hield to acquire Westbrook instead. The trio of James, Davis and Westbrook failed to reach the postseason, and Los Angeles later had to attach draft picks to move Westbrook’s contract.
Sources told ESPN that the episode created a “disconnect” between the four-time Finals MVP and the front office that persisted in subsequent seasons. The trade was also seen internally as a setback that weakened roster depth and cost additional draft capital.
The report adds that, once the Lakers obtained Luka Dončić, organizational priorities changed. Even so, James is believed to have felt he deserved greater consideration after delivering the 2020 championship, while team executives considered their support during his tenure significant.
Separately, Los Angeles continued its offseason overhaul by sending center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two second-round selections. The team intends to use its newfound cap flexibility to add a wing and a backup big man, league sources said.
Source: Lakers Nation
