The future of the Los Angeles Lakers just got a whole lot brighter this past Saturday. The Purple and Gold nation secured the future when Luka put pen to paper on his $165 million extension — a powerful statement solidifying his place as the face of the franchise for years to come. The celebratory event itself was a star-studded affair, with new Lakers standouts Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton joining the festivities, signaling a vibrant new chapter for the storied organization. Yet, amidst this jubilant scene, one conspicuous absence cast a long shadow, raising immediate questions about the Lakers’ current dynamics and, perhaps, the behind-the-scenes actions of the front office.

The team’s oldest player on the roster, a certain four-time NBA champion, chose to stay away from the celebration. That silent message from LeBron James didn’t escape the sharp eye of analysts.

Fox Sports‘ Jason Martin didn’t mince words in his assessment: “I make of it that LeBron James wanted to be noticeable by his invisibility.” Then he further added that the new owner would have already parted ways with King James, but one person, Jeanie Buss, has apparently helped in this scenario. “And I think another point we need to bring up is Jeanie Buss’ involvement with this because if Mark Walter was running the team like he is with the Dodgers, basically, and his people, right, LeBron would be gone already,” Jason noted.

In fact, the Governor seemingly not only helped James but also the team’s GM. “But we also have to remember if Jeanie Buss was, let’s say, completely gone, not even the governor. Mark Walter would have fired Rob Pelinka. He would have hired Sam Presti and given him a blank check. And LeBron would be running laps in Cleveland right now, getting ready for the Cavs season, and they would have traded him for Jarrett Allen. I mean, it would have already been done,“ he shared.

This powerful notion underscores Buss’s pivotal role in maintaining the current Lakers’ structure and, by extension, LeBron’s continued tenure. In fact, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also shared how long Pelinka will manage the reins with the Lakers. “So long as Jeanie’s in place, we also know that means that Rob Pelinka will be in place.”

It’s not the first sign of cracks in the Lakers’ front office and LeBron James. This has stemmed ever since he opted for his extension.

Silence on one end and celebration on the other

When the team chose to celebrate their Slovenian star’s new contract, it didn’t end with the press conference. The Purple and Gold franchise made sure the 26-year-old gets an experience of a lifetime. New owner Mark Walter seemingly whisked Doncic and the whole Lakers contingent away to a concert in Las Vegas. The special touch? Luka, a known Backstreet Boys fan, not only got to experience the concert but even met the band – precisely the kind of royal treatment one would expect for a superstar securing their future with the team.

Despite James opting into his $52.6 million contract for 2024–25, there has been zero acknowledgment. Imagine the 4x NBA champion is ready to commit, but the team decides not to have a press release, nor a social media push. See the contrast in how Buss, Pelinka, and Walter deal with the James and Doncic situation– completely 180-degree treatment. Maybe that’s why there is hesitance, and it also explains why LeBron James has been cryptic with his approach.

First, it was his agent, Rich Paul, who said, “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career…” and then LeBron during the summer league sent more mixed signals. “I ain’t got nothing to talk about,” as he declined to hop on the ESPN broadcast to talk about his situation with the Lakers. Apart from this, it was reportedly Luka who helped in the recruitment of Smart and Ayton. It appears a genuine “change of guard” is underway, and for LeBron James, at least, the transition isn’t proving to be a smooth one.