"No longer winning championships" - Former NFL star claims LeBron James' primary objective' isn't more silverware
Former NFL star Emmanuel Acho has made a bold claim that LeBron James isn't in a win-championship mode anymore. The LA Lakers superstar has been at the receiving end on social media after inking a two-year, $104-million deal with the Purple and Gold, even as the team continues to have a quiet offseason. Acho's thoughts stemmed from the latest developments, starting with JJ Redick's hire as their head coach.
Acho weighed in on James' mindset on FS1's latest episode of 'Speak'. He questioned the 4x NBA champion's decisions saying:
“LeBron's "primary objective" is no longer winning championships… if LeBron’s primary objective was to win championships I don’t think he would be on the Lakers.”
Acho also factored in the Lakers drafting James' son Bronny at No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft and even added that the veteran forward would have taken his talents elsewhere if his goal was to win another title. He even went on to say that the team and their superstar had "different objectives".
LeBron James has been closely linked to LA's front-office moves as they continue to be involved in reported trade conversations with multiple teams. His offer to take a slight pay cut to keep the side from falling in the second apron continues to do the rounds. At the time of writing, LA has not made any significant moves since the start of free agency.
LeBron James and the Lakers have seen little to no interest from marquee names this offseason
It started with LeBron James and the LA Lakers targeting California native and 4x NBA champion Klay Thompson. And despite reports of the Lakers offering him a four-year, $80-million deal, the guard decided to head to Dallas and play with the Mavericks.
The next target was another LA native DeMar DeRozan who is still in the market, but has seen offers coming his way from the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and his old team, San Antonio Spurs. For now, the decision to make a move remains with the Chicago Bulls star, and it remains unclear if he will suit up with the Lakers.
The latest snub came from Buddy Hield, with the sharpshooter picking the Golden State Warriors over the Purple and Gold. Quite simply, the Lakers have not managed to land a single free agent they have attempted to add so far. Only time will tell if they indeed make formidable moves that see them and LeBron James as title contenders.