NBA Rumors: LeBron James not expected to commit long-term to Lakers any time soon

NBA Rumors: According to a recent report, LeBron James is not expected to commit long-term to the Los Angeles Lakers any time soon.

The Los Angeles Lakers and heading into a very important offseason. Not only do they have to figure out how to rebound from a disastrous season but they also have to figure out what their future holds – and whether or not it will include LeBron James in the “long-term.”

As they navigate this offseason, it won’t be easy. And it doesn’t appear LeBron is going to make it simple either. According to a recent report, LeBron isn’t expected to commit long-term to the Lakers before the fireworks of the offseason. That is far from ideal.

"[via Bleacher Report]Competing executives and agents do not expect the team to get clarity from James ahead of the draft and free agency."

This shouldn’t be surprising and, in fact, this should be expected. This is generally LeBron’s MO and what he’s done time and time again throughout his career. Most likely, in an attempt to maintain some level of leverage and to keep the pressure on the organization to spend and make winning moves.

That should not be an issue for the Lakers, an organization that generally wants to win now, but it does give LeBron a card to hold in his back pocket in case something goes sideways between now and the start of next season.

From a tactical standpoint, however, this hardly helps the Lakers. In fact, from an organizational standpoint, it could put them against the eight-ball.

It will limit the flexibility that they have and could hurt their recruitment of other players. The good thing is that LeBron is still under contract for at least one more season. The Lakers have that to hold in their back pocket.

Hopefully, this summer doesn’t turn into a game of chicken between LeBron and the Lakers. However, knowing LeBron’s history, there’s a very real chance that it does.