The Los Angeles Lakers have significantly underachieved during the 2021-22 NBA season. They hold a 27-32 record and hold the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings after many considered them as being a championship-contender.

During his media availability at NBA All-Star Weekend, James had praise for Thunder general manager Sam Presti for his impressive draft record—calling him “pretty damn good.”

“The MVP over there is Sam Presti. He the MVP. I mean, Josh Giddey is great, but Sam Presti — I don’t understand this guy’s eye for talent,” said James. “He drafted KD, Russ, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey and the list goes on and on and on. This guy’s pretty damn good.”

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There’s been speculation about whether James was taking a dig at Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. However, he tried to dispel that notion recently—stating that he was just simply praising Presti, and nothing more.