LeBron James Reportedly Used Knicks to Send Message to the Lakers Front Office

James has never been shy to use hidden messages.

Throughout his entire NBA career, superstar LeBron James has never been shy about using hidden messages to get what he wants. It's been a criticism of him over the years, but it has also helped him find much success in the league.

With the Los Angeles Lakers struggling at different parts of this season, James has seen his patience tested once again. The team has been widely inconsistent and has taken a toll on the players.

There has been plenty of talk about the possibility of James leaving the Lakers after this season, especially with him having an opt-out in his contract. So you knew that James would send some type of message to the Lakers front office to pressure them into upgrading the roster at the trade deadline. 

After the Lakers' victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night, James grabbed a towel with the Knicks logo on it. He wrapped it around his back and even did the postgame interview with it on.

LeBron wearing a Knicks towel for his postgame interview 👀 pic.twitter.com/OMTzizCTN4

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 4, 2024

According to NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, James knew what he was doing and used this as a sign to pressure the front office.

“He was cognizant and aware that he was putting on a towel that said New York Knicks. Why would he mess with the Knicks? Because he was using the Knicks as a tool to pressure the Lakers.” 

Per Brian Windhorst via Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective Podcast

This isn't surprising to hear since the Lakers have been so up and down this season. James wants to make sure that the front office still does their part in putting a strong team on the floor.

It's not the biggest deal that some will make it out to be, and it keeps the front office on their toes. Some people don't like these maneuvers from James, but for a player of his status, it makes all the sense in the world.