LeBron James accused of 'using' New York Knicks in cryptic trade hint
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 gritty 113-105 win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Los Angeles secured the victory as the Knicks suffered from a number of key absences, including OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes.
As the trade deadline on Thursday nears, James has made it clear he wants the franchise to make a move to bolster the roster ahead of a playoff push. Last week, the 39-year-old took to social media to post an ominous hourglass emoji - and, amid speculation linking him with a move to the Knicks, he wore a towel emblazoned with the New York franchise’s logo after the win.
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According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the towel move was a very public message to the Lakers front office. On the Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst said: “He was cognizant and aware that he was putting on a towel that said New York Knicks. Why would he mess with the Knicks? Because he was using the Knicks as a tool to pressure the Lakers.”
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The Knicks came into the contest in scintillating form, riding a nine-game win streak before facing the Lakers. James was the only Laker to be cheered by the home fans during pregame introductions - receiving a remarkable ovation.
However, the infamous New York crowd loudly booed early in the second quarter as James approached the foul line following a contentious foul decision. Regardless, the four-time MVP has made no secret of his appreciation for the Knicks and the iconic Madison Square Garden after he said prior to the game that he strongly considered joining the franchise back in 2010 free agency when he notably signed with the Miami Heat.
LeBron James donned a Knicks towel after leading the Lakers to the win at Madison Square Garden (@NBA)Speculation has been rife over James’ immediate future due to the Lakers’ dismal form. Los Angeles have won two straight games to move to 26-25 on the season, sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference.
Naturally, the Lakers have been linked to several potential trade targets, with Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray perhaps the biggest name most frequently associated with trade rumours. The guard is exactly the type of two-way player who would mesh effectively with James and Anthony Davis, but he would come at a cost.
The Lakers' 2029 first-round pick is the franchise’s only tradeable first, but the front office will be hesitant to ship the valuable asset; James will be retired by then and Davis will be 36 years old. James is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the situation in Los Angeles could get messy if no moves are made.
The Lakers face the 10-38 Charlotte Hornets in their next game on Monday 5 February.
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