LeBron James’ Role In The Anthony Davis Trade Talks Had a Brutal Impact On His Lakers Teammates

The Los Angeles Lakers lost their chance to make the playoffs early in the season, and several factors contributed to this failure. LeBron James’ injury, Anthony Davis trade rumors and other injured players are just some of the bullets LA received this season.

According to point guard Rajon Rondo, LeBron’s attitude in the Anthony Davis saga had a huge impact on players.

It all started when LeBron said he would love to play with the Pelicans star. Davis requested a trade, and LeBron had a huge role in the process. Some of the players in Los Angeles didn’t like this. The chemistry got even worse.

Rondo talked to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher, and admitted that LeBron’s involvement hurt the franchise.

“Every guy on our team, LeBron was their favorite player growing up,” Rondo said. “Everyone had the shoes, his jersey. You’re the biggest fan in the world. It’s like you’re playing with MJ, and then you get there, and it’s like your mom and dad, or the person that you looked up to and idolized, doesn’t want you.”

The trade affected other players, too.

“Even some of the old guys were affected,” Rondo said. “I can’t say a name, but I remember me and the guy were on the bench for the Atlanta game right before the [All-Star] break. The guy was cussing and talking bad about the situation during the game. I was like: ‘Snap out of it. That s— is over with. We’ll get through it. As vets, we have to move forward and not focus on what the young guys are focusing on. Set an example.’ It was a little crazy to see a vet distraught over that.”

Injuries were also a problem. LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, was in the facility a lot, and some people had problems with that one.

“He wasn’t around that much,” Rondo said of Paul. “I’m not a fool, but he doesn’t have a dominant personality; he’s not, ‘Look at me.’ He’s super chill. We’ve had a lot of conversations. I didn’t see him as a threat or controlling anything at all.”

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