James expressed his displeasure during the All-Star Break, and he may have chosen to leave the Lakers. Before the trade deadline, the Lakers have been standing still, and they will play the whole season with the current main framework. To make matters worse, it will be equally difficult to change the squad next season. With the Lakers' current configuration, it is difficult for them to enter the Western Conference championship ranks.
Since James doesn't want to stay with the Lakers, why didn't he choose the Clippers? There are reports that James loves the success of Los Angeles, where he has his family and business. If his goal is to win a championship, then joining the Clippers from the Lakers is a good option. In the next few years, the Clippers have more prospects for the championship than the Lakers.
The Clippers are very different from the Lakers, and this is also the main selling point that attracts James. The Bass family's reluctance to pay a luxury tax led to the loss of good role players like Caruso, which hindered the development of the team's lineup. And Clippers owner Ballmer is not stingy about investing, and will pay $93.9 million in luxury taxes this season, almost twice as much as the Lakers.
The coach is also a big reason why James is considering joining the Clippers. During his time with the Cavaliers, James had a close relationship with Tyrone Lu. This season, James has also praised Tyrone Lu. In contrast, the Lakers' coaching position has been unstable, and Vogel is on the cusp of coaching. James clearly prefers Tyronelu to Vogel, so why not reunite the two?
In addition, the Clippers' lineup building is also superior to the Lakers. The Clippers have the perfect talent to play alongside James. With a lack of shooters and top defensive players around him, James struggled with the Lakers. The Clippers are almost the best in the league on the 3D flank, with Paul George, Leonard and Morris all at the top.
This season, the Clippers are also a better team. With Leonard sidelined in 35 games, the Clippers led the Lakers by 1.5 wins. James won't be a free agent until the summer of 2023. For James, the Clippers may be a better fit than the Lakers.
Admittedly, James' joining the Clippers faces many obstacles. But given that his peak period is not long, and the Lakers' refusal to increase investment, James must take this step. Overall, the Clippers are a nice next home.