David Griffin knows LeBron James better than most current and former front office executives in the NBA. Griffin and James built a chemistry and respect for one another during their time together in Cleveland, which resulted in the franchise’s first and only championship.
Since both parties departed Cleveland, Griffin has become a go-to source around the league for providing insight into what being a general manager for a team employing LeBron James is truly like. Shortly after this year’s trade deadline, Griffin debunked the ‘LeBron-as-GM’ myth that has followed James for most of his career. Griffin also provided some perspective on the pressure a front office feels when LeBron is on its roster.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Michael Shapiro, Griffin described the championship expectations that come along with LeBron James:
It’s not just the pressure with LeBron, it’s that the only mark of success each year was winning a championship. This wasn’t about being elite. This wasn’t about winning a round in the playoffs. LeBron’s presence means you must win championships.
The last line in Griffin’s quote is what makes LeBron’s time in Los Angeles so fascinating. The Lakers aren’t a championship team. “Playoff mode” might be activated for LeBron, but this team has shown very little to give hope of an extended playoff run.
A short-lived playoff appearance for the Lakers coupled with LeBron’s expectations and impatience could lead to sweeping changes in L.A. Magic Johnson is on-record as saying he’d step down if the team is unable to sign a star free agent this offseason, and rumors about Luke Walton’s job security have existed since the second LeBron signed his contract.
LeBron’s presence means you must win championships, but what happens when reality doesn’t meet expectations?
