Is There Still Tension Between LeBron James and the Lakers? What Happens Next?

The Lakers are at yet another crossroads with LeBron James, and even as it seems like the interests of the franchise and the interests of its former franchise player are more aligned than they were six months ago, there's still the lingering question of whether James returns to the team next year. 

Those questions got a little question-ier when ESPN's Dave McMenamin -- certainly very well plugged in to the LeBron camp -- authored a story describing moments of frostiness between James and the team. It included slights (whether real or perceived) and some potentially odd behavior that would be legitimately disrespectful by the team towards LeBron. But the bigger question is what all of this means. How much do moments like these matter for a player that may not have tons of appealing options to play meaningful basketball next year (especially if James demands a big salary), a franchise that doesn't have lots of easy ways to replace him, and a history together that has always been more transactional than emotional? 

In the grand history of LeDrama, how much does any of this even register? 

No question, the context is different. LeBron is at a different part of his career. He's always had control of the relationship not only with his team, but with the league more broadly. His role on teams he'll play on is different. 

So what does it mean? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

SEGMENT 1: New instances of LeDrama? 

 

SEGMENT 2: Why does this happen? 

SEGMENT 3: What's next for James and the Lakers? 

 

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