During All-Star weekend news conferences, when questioned about Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James began to laud Thunder GM Sam Presti without prompting.
“Over there, Sam Presti is the MVP. He is the most valuable player on the team. “I mean, Josh Giddey is fantastic, but Sam Presti — I don’t see how this man sees talent,” James added.
“He picked Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey, and the list goes on and on.” “This man is really good.”
Many felt that this was a jab at Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. He remained silent before the trade deadline despite James’ alleged desire for the Lakers to upgrade their squad in order to compete.
NBA MVP: Dissecting LeBron’s comments on Josh Giddey and Sam Presti
But now, according to Fox Sports’ Ric Bucher, this might be more about luring Presti away from the Thunder. And toward the Lakers, as one anonymous Eastern Conference GM informed him:
The second Eastern Conference GM replied. “I heard he was attempting to get Sam Presti in there to replace Rob”. “I don’t think it will happen, but I could see him attempting to get Pelinka out.”
Given that James’ relationship with the Lakers is currently strained due to reports of tension. I’m not sure why James would want Presti to join the Lakers.
The 37-year-old is only under contract for next season and has already stated that he wants to play in the NBA with his son, current high school junior Bronny James Jr., before retiring.
Presti is also only in his second season with the Thunder. He has already acquired two franchise pillars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. As well as a historically large number of draught selections.
Given Presti’s history and links to the team, it’s difficult to imagine him quitting his job merely to be James’ GM for a few seasons.
Presti’s Westbrook deal is looking better and better. He managed to move Westbrook to Houston in exchange for Chris Paul, two first-round selections, and two draughts pick swaps. Paul resurrected his career, and OKC was able to get another first-round selection in exchange for him to begin the reconstruction.
Surprisingly, James also stated that his final season in the NBA will be with the team that draughts his son. Bronny James is expected to join the NBA Draft in 2024. With a bonus for whichever team selects the younger James. Is it possible that it’s Presti?
