LeBron James puts his career with the Lakers at risk by taking on a role that isn’t his.

LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His influence on the game extends beyond the court, and his leadership and ability to elevate his teammates have made him an iconic figure in the sport. Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron has been known for his versatility, capable of playing multiple positions, both offensively and defensively. However, as LeBron has aged and his career has evolved, his role within his teams, particularly with the Los Angeles Lakers, has come under increasing scrutiny. Recently, LeBron’s willingness to take on roles that are not traditionally his, and his desire to orchestrate every aspect of his team’s performance, has started to raise concerns.

At first glance, LeBron’s desire to be involved in every facet of his team’s play may seem like the mark of a dedicated leader. After all, he’s been entrusted with the responsibility of carrying his teams through various playoff battles and building championship-level rosters in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles. However, as the 2023-2024 NBA season progresses, it is becoming clear that by taking on too many responsibilities, LeBron is putting his career—and the future of the Lakers—in jeopardy. In particular, LeBron’s efforts to control every aspect of the game, particularly when it comes to the team’s roster construction and overall strategy, may have unintended consequences for his future with the team.

In this article, we will explore how LeBron’s decision to assume roles that go beyond his playing duties is affecting his career, his legacy, and his relationship with the Lakers, the fans, and his teammates.

LeBron’s Legacy as a Player and Leader

Before diving into the potential consequences of LeBron James assuming a role that isn’t his, it is important to understand his career trajectory and the role he has played in shaping not just his teams, but the entire NBA landscape.

LeBron entered the NBA straight out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, and has since become a global icon, dominating the basketball world for over two decades. His combination of size, speed, strength, and basketball IQ is unprecedented. LeBron’s ability to lead his teams to success, no matter the circumstances, is one of his defining characteristics. He has led three different franchises to NBA titles, with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers all experiencing championship glory thanks to his leadership.

However, what sets LeBron apart is his ability to orchestrate his team’s success not just on the court, but off it as well. His high basketball IQ has allowed him to mold and shape teams around him, putting teammates in positions to succeed, and using his influence to improve the talent surrounding him. In many ways, LeBron has not only been the focal point of his teams offensively, but he’s also been a coach on the floor, directing plays, and ensuring that his team is executing its strategy to perfection.

But with all of this success, the question now arises: is LeBron’s propensity for controlling everything around him beginning to wear thin? Is his desire to take on roles that aren’t traditionally his, such as front-office decisions, putting his career with the Lakers in jeopardy?

LeBron’s Control Over the Lakers’ Roster

One of the key factors that has contributed to LeBron’s extraordinary career is his influence in roster construction. Over the years, LeBron has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the makeup of his teams. He was instrumental in the Miami Heat’s acquisition of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in 2010, forming the “Big Three” that went on to win two NBA championships. In Cleveland, LeBron’s relationship with the front office was paramount to building teams around him that could compete for titles. His partnership with general manager David Griffin resulted in the Cavs’ 2016 championship, the first in franchise history.

LeBron’s influence continued when he joined the Lakers in 2018. His arrival signified a shift in the franchise’s approach. The Lakers had been rebuilding for several years following the departure of Kobe Bryant, but LeBron’s decision to join them immediately turned them into title contenders. In his first year with the team, LeBron helped guide the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, the team’s 17th title. His leadership and ability to elevate others were on full display.

However, LeBron’s increasing involvement in personnel decisions has raised eyebrows. In the aftermath of their championship run in 2020, LeBron’s desire to have more control over the Lakers’ roster grew stronger. In the 2021 off-season, LeBron was involved in the acquisition of Russell Westbrook—a trade that has since been widely criticized for its lack of fit with the rest of the roster. While LeBron is known for his ability to make almost any player work within his system, the Westbrook trade turned out to be a disaster for the Lakers, as the team failed to meet expectations and struggled with chemistry.

In the 2022-2023 season, LeBron pushed for the Lakers to acquire Anthony Davis, another move that paid off in the form of a championship. However, since then, LeBron’s influence over team-building has become increasingly evident, with the Lakers making several questionable roster moves that may have compromised the team’s long-term success. By constantly pushing for specific players or strategies that align with his vision of the game, LeBron risks alienating front-office executives and alienating future talent who may not share his vision.

LeBron Taking on More Than a Basketball Role

One of the most concerning aspects of LeBron’s increasing control over the Lakers’ operations is his involvement in matters that extend beyond basketball. While LeBron has undoubtedly earned his place as a de facto leader on the court, his increasing influence off the court is starting to raise questions.

LeBron’s role in recent seasons has expanded into a pseudo-general manager, with the Lakers’ front office seemingly making roster decisions based on his preferences. This situation creates a dynamic where LeBron is now not only responsible for leading the team on the floor but is also involved in making executive decisions that traditionally fall under the purview of the Lakers’ management.

This has placed a significant amount of pressure on the franchise as it seeks to balance LeBron’s demands with the broader long-term vision for the team. While LeBron’s decisions have been successful in some cases—such as his push for Anthony Davis—they have also backfired, especially in terms of team chemistry and salary cap management. The failure of the Westbrook trade, for example, has created a ripple effect that has impacted the Lakers’ ability to build a championship-contending roster around LeBron.

LeBron’s growing involvement in non-basketball matters has also created a sense of frustration among his teammates, some of whom may feel that they are not being given the autonomy to make their own decisions. For example, there have been instances in which LeBron’s preferences for certain players or strategies have clashed with the ideas of head coach Frank Vogel and other staff members. This has led to confusion in terms of the Lakers’ direction and an inability to maintain consistent performance.

Physical Toll and Career Longevity

The physical demands of being LeBron James are well-documented. While LeBron has managed to maintain an elite level of performance even in his late 30s, the toll of consistently playing at an MVP level for over two decades is beginning to show. The strain of trying to do too much on both ends of the floor has started to take its toll, leading to injuries and occasional bouts of fatigue.

In the 2022-2023 season, LeBron suffered a significant injury to his ankle and was forced to miss several games. Though LeBron has been able to recover and continue playing at an elite level, the fact remains that age and wear-and-tear will eventually catch up to him. By taking on too many responsibilities—especially those that aren’t naturally his—LeBron is putting himself at greater risk of injury or burnout. His body, which has withstood countless minutes on the court, cannot continue to carry the load of both a player and de facto general manager indefinitely.

LeBron’s future with the Lakers depends not only on his ability to perform at the highest level on the court but also on his ability to manage his responsibilities. His desire to control every aspect of the team may end up being unsustainable in the long term. As LeBron ages, his effectiveness as a player will likely diminish, and his ability to manage the team’s strategy from a front-office perspective may be compromised as well.

The Future of the Lakers

LeBron’s decisions to take on roles outside of basketball have created significant uncertainty surrounding the future of the Lakers. While the team has won a title under his leadership, questions remain about whether the Lakers can maintain sustained success in the post-LeBron era. His increasing involvement in team-building decisions has sometimes created tension between him and the front office, making it unclear how the Lakers will proceed with their long-term vision.

The future of the Lakers will depend on whether LeBron can relinquish some of his control and allow the front office to operate independently of his preferences. While LeBron’s status as one of the greatest players in NBA history warrants respect and influence, his overbearing approach to roster management and strategy may create a rift between him and the Lakers’ management, potentially jeopardizing his long-term legacy with the team.