Los Angeles Lakers: One of these ESPN announcers should be coach

Introducing the man who can change the direction of the Lakers, Jeff Van Gundy

After covering the Los Angeles Lakers for this site for the past NBA season, I have learned the hard way that criticizing LeBron James, in any way, can cause a backlash. He has a fan base that will back him up and stand up for him under any and every circumstance which includes the Lakers watching the playoffs again.

We have all watched LeBron James shut down (Like numerous times this season) and his fans will come out the woodwork and make excuses and justify the failure that has been this Lakers season.

I have never trended on Twitter, however, with my comments about LeBron James. But with one comment on a Saturday night when the Boston Celtics beat down the Lakers, Jeff Van Gundy trended on Twitter.

There are two former coaches having a conversation here. One is Jeff Van Gundy, the other is Mark Jackson, one of the names on the Lakers wish list and a Klutch Sports client.

If you read the caption, Jeff Van Gundy is telling the viewing audience a viable option to get the Los Angeles Lakers back on track and possibly obtain max-level free agents, while keeping the young guys that took two years or more to develop for the future.

Plus, they will have cap space. Plus, think about ALL of the assets the Lakers could get with players, draft picks, fewer distractions and drama.

If the Lakers could get a Kevin Durant or a Kawhi Leonard by getting rid of a soon to be a 17-year veteran that has done nothing but alienate his teammates, coach, and more importantly the fan base that pays their money to see him quit the season, I say to LeBron, goodbye, peace, see you later, hasta manana, strike three, you’re out!

But here’s the situation.

LeBron James will not be traded. He is coming off his worst year only playing 55 games. He has messed up not only his reputation as a player but the Lakers front office as well. No self-respecting NBA GM that wants to keep his job will deal with the salary cap wrecking ball of an aging superstar who is not totally invested.

LeBron James actually wants to be in LA and you see what the fans got for their money. Think about how he would play in a place like Memphis. The Lakers are stuck with LeBron James for better or worse. So now let’s get the coach that can control the man.

Jeff Van Gundy already showed the NBA world how to hold LeBron James accountable in one conversation. The reason James has played the way he has is because he knows he is the only player guaranteed to come back next season. If he knew he could be traded or if he has a coach that has no issues going to management about making a move with him in mind.

LeBron will have some act right!