LeBron James urges Lakers to sign this standout preseason star

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on the court during a timeout in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on the court during a timeout in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LeBron James might not be the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers but he seemingly has the pull that a GM would have. Throughout his career, LeBron has had a big say in what his respective teams do, coining the nickname “LeGM”.

We have seen it in Los Angeles as well. LeBron and Klutch Sports were the driving force behind the Lakers getting Anthony Davis, which showcases why teams often listen to LeBron. However, he was also the driving force behind the team trading for Russell Westbrook, so he does not bat 1.000.

LeBron knows that he has more pull than any other NBA player in the league and he has used that pull to surround himself with teammates that the wants to see. King James now has a new teammate that he wants to play alongside as Matt Ryan has thrived since signing a training camp deal with the team.

Ryan has been an absolute sharpshooter for the Lakers in the preseason, which is no surprise considering he shot over 40% from three in the G League last season on over nine attempts per game. LeBron has seen enough, as he looked at the Lakers’ brass mid-game and gestured for them to sign Ryan to a contract after he knocked down a three against the Warriors.

LeBron James isn’t the only influential person on the Lakers that Matt Ryan impressed.

It is safe to say that Matt Ryan has impressed just about everyone in the Lakers building. While the NFL’s Matt Ryan has seen his stock fall drastically, the NBA’s Matt Ryan has seen his stock rise incredibly.

Ryan is exactly what this Lakers team needs. There are very few reliable shooters on LA’s roster and if the team can pluck a knock-down shooter out of thin air like Ryan then they should be making that move 10 times out of 10.

It is not even like it is merely a hot streak as he showed that pedigree in the G League. Thus far in the preseason, he has proven that the jump up to NBA competition is not too much for him. Ryan is shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc on seven attempts per game! That is not normal!

Ryan also directly fits into an area of weakness on the Lakers roster as he is a wing. While his defensive ability will be tested at the NBA level, he has absolutely done enough offensively to earn a roster spot and earn minutes.

It would be one thing if he was yet another guard that was adding to the stockpile. But that is not the case. He has the offensive skillset that LA lacks the most and plays the position that the team needs the most. It would be absolutely foolish to not reward him for his strong play.

LeBron James knows a thing or two about basketball and quite frankly, it should not even be a discussion if he is this on board.