You may have forgotten but the Los Angeles Lakers are still an actual professional basketball team.
The 2021-22 season was one for the record books for LA – and not for good reasons.
The team completely collapsed despite having the talents of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and more.
They didn’t even make the playoffs, which is really astounding when you think about it.
But the team is dusting itself off, looking forward, and planning ahead.
And doing whatever is necessary to keep James satisfied.
The Lakers are hiring Atlanta Hawks assistant Chris Jent to become the top assistant coach, sources tell ESPN. New coach Darvin Ham recruited Jent over the past week to lead his staff. Jent has a strong history with LeBron James from early Cleveland years.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2022
The team is hiring Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Chris Jent to become the top assistant coach for the purple and gold.
This was a selection made by new head coach Darvin Ham but it also bodes well for James’ future with the team.
That’s because James and Jent have a history because of the years they spent together working in Cleveland.
It’s no wonder the front office is keeping an eye on making James happy – he’s easily the best tool in their belt.
King James Rules Again
James has been playing for 19 years in the NBA, yet the latest season was still one of his best yet.
He averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Even at 37 years old, he was still in the running for the scoring leader in the league and definitely the most impactful and influential guy on his team.
The team has some other powerful players, such as Davis and, yes, even Westbrook.
But there is no debating that James is the centerpiece of the team.
Keeping him happy and ready to pour his heart into every game is essential if the team wishes to rebound.
Simply put, the Lakers need James more than he needs the Lakers.
