Part 5/9:
As the dust settles on this trade, speculation continues to swirl. The long-standing relationship between Harrison and Pelinka raises eyebrows, as they have known each other for over two decades. Critics wondered whether personal connections influenced the deal more than basketball logic.
Further complicating matters, reports have surfaced suggesting that LeBron James, often seen as the orchestrator of Lakers moves, was blindsided by the deal, which seems implausible given his track record. LeBron's influence on the Lakers has been profound since his arrival. For him to be unaware of such a monumental change contradicts his established role.