LeBron James accused of ‘using’ New York Knicks in cryptic trade hint

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a crucial road win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, re-igniting rumors he could join the Eastern Conference franchise via trade or in free agency

LeBron James has been accused of leveraging trade rumours linking him with the New York Knicks in order to pressure the Los Angeles Lakers into making a move at the NBA trade deadline.

On Saturday, James scored 24 points to lead the Lakers to a 113-105 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Los Angeles secured the win as the Knicks faced several key absences, including OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes. With Thursday’s trade deadline looming, James said the franchise wants to take steps to bolster its roster ahead of the playoffs. Last week, the 39-year-old posted an hourglass emoji on social media. Amid rumors of a move to the Knicks, he wore a towel with the logo of the New York franchise after winning the championship. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, throwing in the towel was a very public message for the Lakers front office. “He knew and understood that he was wearing a scarf that said New York Knicks,” Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast. Why are they messing with the Knicks? Because he used the Knicks as a tool to put pressure on the Lakers.”

The Knicks came into the game in impressive form, winning nine in a row before facing the Lakers. James was the only Laker to receive a standing ovation from the home fans during pregame introductions.

But the notoriously raucous New York crowd roared as James approached the foul line after a controversial foul call early in the second quarter. However, the four-time MVP did not hide his admiration for the Knicks and the iconic Madison Square Garden, saying before the game that he strongly considered joining the franchise when he played under his name with the Miami Heat in 2010. .

There is much speculation about James’ immediate future due to the Lakers’ disappointing showing. Los Angeles has won two games in a row, improving to 26-25 on the season and moving up to 9th in the Western Conference.

Of course, the Lakers have been linked to several potential trade targets, with Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray perhaps the biggest name frequently associated with trade rumors. The guard is the kind of two-way player who can work effectively with James and Anthony Davis, but he’s expensive.

The Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick is the franchise’s only potential first-round pick, but the front office has no qualms about delivering a valuable asset. By then, James will be retired and Davis will be 36 years old. James is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if a move doesn’t happen, things could get worse for Los Angeles as well.

The Lakers next play against the 10-38 Charlotte Hornets on Monday, February 5.