"LeBron is not playing the Draymond role" - Ex-NBA Champ Pushes Trade LeBron James Agenda Citing His Ball Dominant Style Ruins Lakers’ Offensive Flow

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors - Source: Getty

One-time NBA champion Paul Pierce believes that the LA Lakers need to try to trade LeBron James in order not to disrupt the team. Despite James sitting out the first nine games of the season, the Lakers are 7-2, and coming into Saturday, they have won five straight games.

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On Friday's episode of "No Fouls Given," Pierce discussed the Lakers' hot start with podcast host Wosny "Big Wos" Lambre and three-time NBA champion Danny Green. According to Pierce, James might disrupt the Lakers' offensive schemes when he returns to the lineup.

"Yeah, they're looking good," Pierce said. "I'm telling you, they need to find a way to trade LeBron. He's going to hold them back. ... You got Luka (Doncic) as the guy, and we see it when (Austin) Reaves' improvement is looking like, with the ball or the way he play makes, how do you implement LeBron to what they're doing now?
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"How does that work? 'Cause my playmakers are clearly Reaves and Luka. Like, LeBron's not a spot-up shooter, he's not a post player. He needs the ball in his hands."

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Danny Green responded that James could play a role similar to that of Draymond Green with several of the Golden State Warriors' championship teams. Green also cited the success of the Lakers late last season when James, Doncic and Reaves played. However, Pierce said:

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"LeBron is not playing the Draymond role."
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The Lakers were able to rack up wins despite also dealing with injuries to other players. Doncic has missed four of LA's nine games, while Reaves has been sidelined for the last two games.

LeBron James is reportedly inching closer to his season debut

LA Lakers star LeBron James has reportedly been cleared to resume basketball activities on Thursday. ESPN's Shams Charania said that the four-time NBA champion continues to recover and will now progress to "live 5-on-5 reps in practice."

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Per Charania, James will not travel with the team for its five-game road trip that begins on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. James will continue his individual workout, and his injury re-evaluation will be in "one to two weeks."

The latest news about LeBron James' injury indicates that the 21-time All-Star could make his debut for a record 23rd season on Nov. 18 against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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