Fansided

Lakers Power Structure: Amid chaos, dysfunction, who runs Showtime?

By Josh Hill and Jason Cole

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 5, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 5: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 5, 2019 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

LeBron James

LeBron has been oddly silent for most of the drama over the past two months. Other than to say he was “surprised” by Magic’s decision to quit, LeBron has other not said much. But when LeBron is quiet, that’s the time you know he is plotting.

By staying above the fray, the 34-year-old LeBron has a chance to cement his position within the team. While he will never be accepted in Los Angeles the same way as Magic, Kobe and other famous Lakers, LeBron can become the most powerful force within the Lakers organization right now. He can finish the job that Magic started and get Pelinka fired if he wants. He also has the power to get rid of Vogel and have his friend Kidd elevated to head coach.

Where Magic is able to pull this off publicly without the type of backlash that sticks, LeBron doesn’t have that ability. He has to move in silence because he’s still relatively new. At the same time, his presence makes the Lakers an attractive place for someone who wants to win. Either Anthony Davis or Jimmy Butler would benefit from being next to LeBron. Kyrie Irving learned some hard lessons the past two years in Boston after he wanted his freedom from playing with LeBron.

At the same time, the Lakers could go the other direction and make LeBron the biggest trade chip. Unfortunately, trading one player for a bunch of players rarely works in the NBA because of the impact one player can have on a team. While LeBron is aging and missed time with an injury last season, he has a rare skill set and the size and strength to make it last three or four more years.

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