The Los Angeles Lakers’ season is in serious jeopardy. Despite all their efforts since the All-Star break, LeBron James and Co. are stuck at the dreaded 9th seed in the Western Conference. And they might lose that spot too by the end of the regular season to a lurking Golden State Warriors. Failure to reach the playoffs or an early postseason exit might propel the Lakers into an uncertain realm. Amid all their struggles, Head Coach Darvin Ham’s future hangs in the balance as they might have to choose between him and King James.

The Lakers’ struggles this season have sparked several rumors about a rift between LeBron and Ham. In a viral video from the recent Lakers vs. Warriors game, the veteran can be spotted completely ignoring Ham as the head coach tries to draw a play during a timeout. However, that is not the first time LeBron has shown disagreement with Ham’s coaching.

An anonymous source told Lakers Daily’s Anthony Irwin, “If Ham ever does draw up a play, as soon as the huddle breaks, James will tell everyone else on the court with him ‘fu*k all that’ and calls a play of his own.” Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus said, “There was some buzz in NBA circles that James wasn’t happy with head coach Darvin Ham when the team struggled earlier in the season.”

With a clear difference in vision between the two, LeBron James might push the Lakers to make a leadership change by leveraging his contract. It is crucial for the Lakers’ $6.4 billion brand that LBJ stays in LA for the final stage of his career. But there’s a chance he might only re-sign if he believes they are moving in the direction he wants them to. Well, it could lead to them firing Darvin Ham, at the end of this season.

The Lakers might prioritize keeping LeBron James happy

Amid the speculations, even LeBron admitted to disagreeing with Darvin Ham’s coaching style during an episode of his Mind The Game podcast. He revealed that he ignored the set strategy in a recent game against the Clippers. “We had switching built in vs. Kawhi and vs. James, and I vetoed it in the second half.” LeBron claimed he knew Clippers head coach Ty Lue better than anyone because of their time together, and the Lakers would have lost the game if they stuck to Ham’s plan.

LeBron has a $51.4 million player option for next season. Despite LeBron’s age, he is still one of the most influential athletes in the sporting world. His leaving the Lakers will hurt them economically. NBA Insider Brian Windhorst claimed LeBron plans to add a no-trade clause if he extends his contract with the Lakers. Veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith reminded Rob Pelinka how important LeBron is for the Lakers to stay relevant with a hilarious statement. “If LeBron wants a manicure and a pedicure and a massage, you’re going to give him that too.”

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So, if LeBron asks the Lakers to choose between him and Ham at the end of this season, who do you think Rob Pelinka would lean toward? Let us know in the comments below.

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