
"He Made a Mistake"- NBA executive claims staying with Los Angeles Lakers damaged LeBron James' career
NBA
icon
LeBron James
knows the art of diverting media attention wherever he goes. The 40-year-old basketball star has been making headlines even during NBA offseason. According to the ongoing buzz, James' future with Los Angeles Lakers is quite uncertain.
However, a prominent NBA executive claimed that LeBron James' stint with the Lakers has impacted his career negatively.
NBA executive claims LeBron James' stint with the Los Angeles Lakers is his biggest career mistake
From accepting the $52 million player option with Los Angeles Lakers, age factor to his uncertain future with popular NBA team, LeBron James has become the hotbed of discussion during ongoing offseason. He was drafted by the Lakers back in 2018 and the rest is history as he is one of the most bankable athletes in the particular NBA team.
Reportedly, James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2003. A prominent NBA executive claims that LeBron James should have stayed with his original team Cleveland Cavaliers, instead of meddling with a player option. As reported by the Hoops Wire, the NBA executive mentioned-
'I'm not gonna sit here and tell someone to say no to over $50 million, but LeBron is a billionaire, man,' the NBA exec said. 'He has enough money and makes enough off the court.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
If I were in his camp, I would have told him to decline his player option with the Lakers and sign with the Cavs. That would have been the smart play.'
He further elaborated-
'Do you know how dangerous Cleveland would have been? LeBron starting next to Donovan [Mitchell], Evan [Mobley], Jarrett [Allen] and Darius [Garland]? They would have walked to the NBA Finals and it would have been a storybook ending for LeBron to finish his career in Cleveland.
I think he made a mistake.'
Undoubtedly, it is next to impossible to imagine the Los Angeles Lakers without LeBron James. From being in the roster during the formative years to becoming one of the most reliable athletes in the club roster, LeBron James is not only a cornerstone of Lakers but also one of the biggest NBA icons in the current era.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James on the secret behind his great NBA career
During the finale episode of Mind the Game, LeBron James opened up on the secret behind his great NBA career. According to the NBA icon, one needs to fall in love with the process, and the rest becomes easier for them. On being asked about the secret behind ringing in his 40s and still being one of the most bankable players, he said-
'I mean the process is the only thing that matters to me. You know, I think um when you fall in love with the process of what you want to do and that's with anything, that's not just basketball. That's what you guys are aspiring to do. You have to fall in love with the process. The end result will happen organically and it'll make it so much more worth your while when you fall in love with the process. Okay?'
He further mentioned-
'Like don't cheat the process, don't cut corners, fall in love with the process and everything else will take care of itself.
So that's what I've been able to do for my career. So that's my words of advice to all you guys. The process and that goes for everything. That's not just basketball. That's life, man."
Despite all the buzz around LeBron James and Lakers, it is almost difficult to imagine a reputed NBA team without him. He has not only set an example in the NBA world but also inspires millions around the globe with his hard world and dedication.
Also Read:
'It was really hard for me'- LeBron James' wife Savannah reveals how being a teenage mother negatively impacted her sense of identity
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
27 minutes ago
- News18
From Wiping Floors to Calling Plays: Sacramento Kings' Dipesh Mistry's Rise To The NBA G-League
Last Updated: Dipesh Mistry's journey from playing basketball in Markham as a kid, to becoming a G-League head coach is one that reminds us all that basketball is for everyone. From playing basketball throughout his childhood for the sheer love of the game, to doing all the grunt work for his university team, to eventually standing shoulder-to-shoulder among the best coaches in the G-League, Dipesh Mistry's journey is a powerful example of how success often follows an unpredictable path. In fact, it's the kind of story we're used to seeing on the big screen. Now 32, the Canadian-Indian from Markham, Ontario, overcame what could have been the end of his basketball aspirations. Instead, he reinvented himself and steadily climbed his way to the professional ranks of the G-League. After not making the cut for Ryerson University's basketball team, Mistry spent two years doing the unglamorous, unpaid work—rebounding, doing laundry, wiping down floors—while learning everything he could. During that time, he found inspiration in people he could truly relate to, to keep his eyes on the prize. 'Eric Spoelstra was probably one of the biggest inspirations for me, you know. But also like even in my level, like Roy Rana was one, as an Indian coach. To see what he was doing at Ryerson, and to have him take me under his wing when I was 20 or 21, to show me how global basketball is and how big it can become for me too. I was very young, and I just kind of helped him out. So that was someone like close to home that I could actually see and be like, 'Oh, yeah, that makes sense. I could do it too.'" Eventually, he caught his break. Mistry's analytical skills first drew national attention when he joined Team Canada's women's basketball team as a performance analyst for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He later worked as a video coordinator with the men's national team. Then came the big league: the NBA. His initial NBA opportunity came while working under coach Jay Triano, the interim head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2017. He brought Mistry onto the staff: a moment that launched his NBA career. In 2018, he joined the Atlanta Hawks as head video coordinator, eventually becoming a coaching associate and special assistant to the head coach by 2021. In 2023, he moved to the Sacramento Kings, where his relentless work ethic quickly stood out. Head coach Doug Christie saw his potential and supported his appointment as head coach of the Kings' G-League affiliate. 'When I was sitting on the bench during my first Summer League game in charge, it felt normal. But then, when like the first couple baskets went through and I had to stand up, that's when I really felt it. And I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. I thought that was an incredible moment for myself, but also for my family and for all the people and coaches who supported me. It's a moment I'll probably never forget." When the moment came, Mistry rose to it. He led a young, newly drafted roster to a standout showing in the 2025 Summer League, guiding them with a team-first approach that earned the Kings a place in the final against the Charlotte Hornets. Although the Kings fell short in the championship game, the experience was a personal win for Mistry. 'It's funny because Chris Gent, the (Charlotte Hornets' G-League team) coach on the other side. I was in Atlanta with him and I learned under him for three years. So, it was kind of coaching against someone who mentored me for a long time. It was a surreal experience as well." His journey, though, is far from over. 'Yeah, I think my younger self would probably be pretty shocked and be like, 'Wow, it actually happened'. Maybe he was onto something, you know? Maybe it was possible after all." As one of the few Indian-origin coaches operating at this level, Mistry understands both the weight and the honor of his role, while embracing the same to push himself further. 'It's just about just going through the process and, and going through the journey. However I do, I think it's an honor to be someone to look up to and be like, 'Hey, if he could do it, I could do it too. And he looks like me.'" Basketball is for everyone—and Mistry embodies exactly that. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : NBA view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal vows to wear a black dress if Rudy Gobert gets inducted into Hall of Fame
Images via Getty Shaquille O'Neal made a stunning vow. The NBA Hall of Famer promised to wear a black dress if Rudy Gobert is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Shaquille made the vow in the recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. Gobert is known for his defensive play. His lack of offensive attacks has landed him the tag of a one-dimensional player. Shaquille continues to be one of the biggest critics of Gobert's gameplay. As of this writing, Gobert has not issued any statement on Shaquille's controversial vow. Shaquille O'Neal continues to be Rudy Gobert's biggest hater Shaquille O'Neal is known for being a vocal critic. He continues to be one of the biggest haters of Rudy Gobert. Shaquille proved it during the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. Co-Host Adam Lefkoe and guests for the episode, the Morris Twins, were discussing the difference in aggression between on and off-court situations. Shaquille, however, maintains the same attitude in either of the situations. Proving his point, Shaquille stated, 'I will hate you everywhere, like I hate Rudy Gobert.' The analyst was asked about the reason behind his absolute hatred. He explained, 'He's making $250 million, he doesn't deserve it, dawg.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Shaquille went on, 'As the president of the Big Man Alliance, you're making big money, play like a f*****g big man. That's it.' He further added, 'Grow some balls, knock some people out. Don't let little white dudes from Denver dunk on you and talk s**t. You gotta grab them by the neck at the last second. Come on, bro. That's it.' Co-host Adam went on to state that we would want to see Shaquille's reaction upon Gobert's Hall of Fame induction. To this, Shaquille had a surprising reaction. He pulled out a picture of Charles Buckley wearing a black dress and stated, 'If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I'll wear this dress to the mother******* ceremony.' Shaquille O'Neal takes a shot at Rudy Gobert's three-year $110 million contract extension In the same episode, Co-host Adam Lefkoe brought in the topic of CBA. The Morris twins and Adam discuss the NBA's latest CBA amendments. They talk about the salary caps and upper tier players getting the amount they deserve. However, Shaquille O'Neal had a slight contradiction in this aspect. 'But what if you're not an upper-tier guy and you get paid?' Shaquille questioned. Adam sought for more clarity, to which the analyst replied, 'Rudy Gobert is an upper-tier guy?' Shaq's Thoughts On Kobe vs T-Mac, Calls Out The Morris Twins On Their Jokic Beef + 2k Ratings Debate Adam tried to defend the four-time defensive player, but Shaquille was in no mood to listen. He simply stated, 'I would have gotten rid of them.' Marcus agreed with Shaq. 'He's not that good. Ain't gonna lie. He can play defense.' he stated. However, Shaq was not ready to give any credit to Gobert and questioned back, 'Can he?' Towards the end, Shaq stated, 'Barbecue Chicken alert. But congratulations, he got the money. But he's not a top-tier guy.' Shaq indirectly criticized the $110 million contract signed with Gobert. FAQs What is Shaquille O'Neal's net-worth? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Shaquille O'Neal's net worth stands at $500 million. What is Rudy Gobert's nickname? Rudy Gobert earned the nickname of 'Stifle Tower' just weeks into the NBA How old is Rudy Gobert? Rudy Gobert is 33 years old Also Read: 'Always and Forever' — NBA legend Dennis Rodman pours heartfelt tribute to WWE icon Hulk Hogan Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Warriors Superstar Stephen Curry Opens Up on Retirement, Emphasizes Love for the Game and Future Plans
Jakob Poeltl and Stephen Curry (Image via Canadian Press) Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has offered fans a clearer picture of his future in the NBA, easing concerns about an imminent retirement. At 37 years old and with two seasons left on his current deal through 2026-27, Curry is approaching the twilight of his career with perspective and balance—preferring to take things 'two years at a time' rather than commit to a fixed retirement date. Stephen Curry's Realistic Yet Optimistic Outlook Stephen Curry's comments reflect a mature understanding of the toll the game takes, especially during the offseason. He pointed out that preparing for the season—repetitive conditioning, strength training, and daily grind—has become more challenging than the 82-game season itself. Yet, he still finds joy in playing. 'The games are the easy part,' he said. 'That's the fun part.' When it comes to retirement, Curry spoke candidly. He noted that some players are 'forced out,' while others walk away on their own terms. His hope is to be in the latter group, choosing to leave when his body tells him it's time—not because he can no longer keep up. 'I don't want to be the one that's limping up and down the court trying to keep up with the young bucks,' Curry added. How Stephen Curry is Still Elite at 37 Despite being one of the NBA's oldest active stars, Stephen Curry remains one of its most effective. He averaged 24.5 points, six assists, and 4.4 three-pointers per game last season, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. His production hasn't slowed, and the Golden State Warriors are making roster decisions with Curry's competitive window in mind, hoping to capitalize on their championship potential while he's still playing at a high level. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30 Beautiful women who lived 80-100 years ago Undo Preparing for Life After Basketball Curry isn't just thinking about basketball. Off the court, he's laying the groundwork for his next chapter. He serves as CEO of Thirty Ink, a business umbrella that includes Unanimous Media, Gentleman's Cut bourbon, and 7k, a marketing consultancy. He's also expressed interest in sports broadcasting and NBA ownership, following the footsteps of former players like Michael Jordan and Carmelo Anthony. Whether he ends up in a broadcast booth or part of a front office, Curry seems intent on remaining a prominent figure in basketball long after his final game. Stephen Curry is Not Done Yet For now, Warriors fans can rest easy: Curry isn't planning to retire anytime soon. His focus is on staying healthy, having fun, and chasing more titles. His transparency about the aging process, the demands of the game, and the realities of legacy offer a refreshing, human look at one of the NBA's greatest players. Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: New York Knicks predicted to land $50 million Orlando Magic star to boost bench depth and improve title odds Stephen Curry's measured and thoughtful approach makes it clear—he's not just preparing for retirement; he's preparing to make an impact long after his playing days are over. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!