What If Money Isn’t Enough?

I used to think winning was loud. Shouts from fans, flashing lights, championship banners. But after years of teaching students how to process pressure and anxiety under the spotlight — especially during big games — I’ve come to believe something deeper matters.

When the Lakers welcomed a new owner with serious sports business experience and deep pockets, my first thought wasn’t “Who will they sign?” It was: *“Will this change who they are?”

Because money doesn’t build culture. People do.

The Real Trade Chips: Heart Over Hype

The rumors say they’re trading for players like Caleb Martin or even Bam Adebayo. But let’s be honest — it’s not just about adding bodies to fit roles.

We already have:

• LeBron James – still playing like he’s guarding his soul.
• D’Angelo Russell – steady hands when chaos hits.
• Anthony Davis – elite defense with quiet fire inside.
• Jalen Hood-Schifino (the ‘electric fan’) – energy you can feel from row 10.

But here’s what no one talks about: these aren’t just athletes. They’re people who carry weight. And so should their team.

The Missing Piece Isn’t On Paper

Yes, we need a rim protector with scoring range — someone like Kyrie Irving’s old backup or even Pascal Siakam if health allows. But more than stats? We need emotional intelligence in uniform. The kind that looks at your teammate after a missed shot and says “I’ve been there.” The kind that doesn’t panic when the crowd goes silent. That kind of player is rare — and priceless.

And honestly? That’s what this new ownership could actually deliver: not just better contracts or bigger arenas… but better belonging across the roster.

Building Legacy One Relationship at a Time

I remember sitting in my Brooklyn apartment last season during Game 7 of the playoffs. My phone buzzed with messages from students asking if they’d failed because their favorite team lost again. One wrote: “I cried because I felt seen by them.” That moment broke me — not because they lost… but because they cared so much it hurt. That’s why I care now too. The next generation of players shouldn’t just be talented; they should be taught how to heal while competing. The Lakers have a chance to lead that shift — especially if their new front office understands that legacy isn’t built on rings alone… it’s built on realness.

So What Should We Do?

Let’s stop chasing fantasy teams made of icons only. Instead:

• Keep LeBron as anchor – not because he’s great now, but because he makes others rise. copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy copy