LeBron James' future with Lakers clouded as agent Rich Paul turns up the heat on Rob Pelinka

LeBron James' future with Lakers clouded as agent Rich Paul turns up the heat on Rob Pelinka originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Lakers and LeBron James have had quite an eventful offseason, filled with speculation about whether he’s staying or leaving. There seems to be a subtle divide forming behind the scenes. Still, one goal remains clear before the end of his career: compete for a championship.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," [agent Rich] Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

With retirement looming, there’s still no clear timetable for when James will walk away from the game. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently shed light on LeBron’s mindset — and it may raise concerns in Los Angeles.

“It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James,” Charania said, quoting Paul, whom he spoke to earlier in the day. “Just appreciate the present and also maximizing his present. And that, obviously, that onus, potentially falling on the Lakers, and what team they put around him.”

Paul’s comments cast a bit of a shadow over the Lakers heading into the season. It feels like this year could be a "wait and see" situation for LeBron — one that may influence whether or not he finishes his career in purple and gold.

Adding to the conversation, former Laker Byron Scott recently said he doesn’t believe LeBron has yet earned a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

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“I think if he gets another one, then he has a chance," Scott told TMZ Sports. "But right now, if you look at the players that have statues in front of Crypto.com [Arena], these are long lifers. They've been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they've had multiple championships. I think the only one who didn't is probably Jerry West."

LeBron’s legendary career is undoubtedly winding down, but based on Paul’s comments, there’s no guarantee it will end in L.A. This could be a defining — and potentially final — season for LeBron James in a Lakers uniform.

Time will tell, but it’s possible LeBron is quietly counting down the days to move on from the franchise.