The Los Angeles Lakers season went off the rails when LeBron James went down with a groin injury on Christmas and when Anthony Davis requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.
With the team spiraling with its best player sidelined, the trade rumors involving nearly everyone on the roster only added drama.
The optics also didn’t look great for James when he created some controversy by saying he would love to play with Davis.
Then Davis requested a trade through his agency, Klutch Sports, which is run by Rich Paul, James’ agent and childhood friend. It appeared James was trying to help facilitate a Davis trade, and it hurt the Lakers’ chemistry.
Read more: The aftermath of the Anthony Davis trade saga has turned ugly for the Lakers and the Pelicans
Speaking with Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher, Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo said James’ supposed involvement hurt the team.
“Every guy on our team, LeBron was their favorite player growing up,” Rondo told Bucher. “Ever