LeBron James reportedly felt overlooked by the Los Angeles Lakers after not receiving the game ball when he became the winningest player in NBA history, according to Dave McMenamin.
Sources say the moment added to a growing feeling from James that the organization has not fully appreciated everything he has accomplished for the franchise.
James, who joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped lead the team to its 17th NBA championship in 2020, reportedly viewed the situation as another example of the franchise taking his contributions for granted.
The reaction was tied specifically to Rob Pelinka and how the moment was handled internally.
“James, who played the past eight seasons in Los Angeles and helped deliver the franchise its 17th championship in 2020, saw Pelinka’s priority in that moment as yet another example of the Lakers taking him for granted, sources said.”
James has played 23 seasons for the Cavaliers, Lakers and Heat. He has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 1,622 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 21 All-Star games. He has won the Rookie of the Year award, 4 MVP awards, 4 Finals MVP awards and 4 NBA championships.
LeBron reportedly felt like the Lakers took him for granted when Rob Pelinka didn’t give him the game ball after he broke the record for most wins in NBA history, per @mcten
“James, who played the past eight seasons in Los Angeles and helped deliver the franchise its 17th… pic.twitter.com/y0XNmVV1CP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2026
