"Rob can't even do his job": NBA fans slam Lakers GM following LeBron James' explanation behind $2.6 million pay cut
Fans reacted as LeBron James made a team-first decision by signing a two-year, $101.35 million contract with the L.A Lakers to return for the 2024-25 NBA season. The deal is about $2.7 million under the maximum contract threshold to give the Lakers some cap flexibility.
At a press conference on Sunday with Team USA, James told reporters that he wants to give the Lakers some leeway in improving the roster.
“Like when you're in a relationship … there's certain things that sometimes you have to do,” James said. “You have to understand in a relationship, in order for a relationship to work … both sides have to work.”
It was a decision to give back to the Los Angeles franchise, where he has played since 2018.
James had previously expressed his willingness to take a larger pay cut early in free agency for the Lakers to sign a short list of prominent players, including Klay Thompson, Paul George and James Harden, but LA was outbid by other teams.
With James’ statement, fans vented their ire at the Lakers’ front office, especially general manager Rob Pelinka, for not adding star-level talent to the team despite LeBron’s pay-cut.
“Rob can’t even do his job 🤦🏿♂️,” said one fan.
“They couldn’t even help you my King after you offered a huge paycut 🤦🏽♂️ They let the market go dry like a bunch of idiots. You’re just too nice,” said another fan.
“And Rob still ain’t do shit smh,” said another fan.
Other fans pointed out the lack of urgency, as they watched stars like Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Paul George and other prominent players get signed by other teams in free agency.
“What flexibility? They haven’t even signed nobody yet,” a fan said.
“But they added no one,” said another fan.
“The lakers didn’t do anything tho lmao,” said another fan.
Among the offseason moves the Lakers have pulled off are hiring JJ Redick as the new coach and the selections of Dalton Knecht, and LeBron James' son Bronny James in the draft.
LeBron James steers the Lakers away from the dreaded second apron
In taking about $3 million less than he's supposed to get for next season, LeBron James helped the Lakers avoid the dreaded second tax apron, which bars teams from crucial roster-building moves.
It was also his way to give to the Lakers and be a team-first player as he winds down his career in L.A.
“Me being able to be in a situation where I can protect the franchise under the second apron, understanding this new thing is very hard on a lot of teams as far as them trying to get better and whatever the case may be," James said.
Reaching the second apron would mean the Lakers couldn't have traded multiple players for a single player while also totally losing their mid-level exception.
LeBron James will play his 22nd season next year, tying the NBA record for most seasons played, as he looks to win his fifth ring, second with LA.