LeBron James Accused of Destroying Careers of Dalton Knecht, Russell Westbrook & More for Selfish Reasons

LeBron James is one of, if not the, greatest NBA players of all time. About to enter his 24th season, James is now the longest-tenured active player in league history and has become the face of whichever team he plays for. But with that power comes a responsibility that a former NBA star believes James did not take.

At one point, James earned the moniker 'LeGM' because of how involved he reportedly would be when it came to a front office's decision-making. While LeBron denied these allegations, a former NBA player recently shared his take on the King's authority in the teams he plays for and how it has affected several of his teammates' careers.

"LeBron is a marketing machine, and he's not an individual. Once I realized that, when you go up against a machine, it gives off toxic waste," Kwame Brown said on "The Basketball Show" podcast on Monday. "So what makes it look good, it destroys things around it. If you look at the careers that he's destroyed: (Russell) Westbrook, (Quincy) Olivari before he even started, you got Dalton Knecht because of (Bronny James); he didn't get a chance to develop."

The Westbrook example refers to James scouting the former OKC star for the Lakers, until they found out on the court that the fit wasn't right and the team had a 33-49 season and missed the playoffs.

As for the Knecht-Bronny example, Kwame Brown was seemingly referring to LeBron James using his influence to give more exposure and reps to his son that might have come at the expense of Knecht's minutes.

Brown said he strongly believes that the same thing could happen to James' new Philadelphia 76ers teammates, specifically Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe.

Looking at the Sixers' current lineup, one could easily argue that Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey will be the two main centerpieces. But given that Edgecombe is still building his reputation as a future star, while Embiid is trying to get his rhythm back, Kwame Brown thinks that James could easily ruin both their momentum, especially if he opts to act as the team's third option.

But to join the 76ers, James took a huge pay cut from his expected $50 million-plus salary. The four-time NBA champion took a two-year, $8 million deal, which was appreciated as a good sign of true leadership. This could be a sign that the King is truly passing down the torch to the younger stars.

Former NBA Star Discusses LeBron James' Positive Effect on Teams

While many hate on LeBron James and focus on the negative things he's done or the seeming negative outcomes that come with having him on a team, former NBA star Shawn Kemp highlighted the advantages of having the King around.

Kemp predicted a potential Finals appearance for the 76ers alongside the 2025-26 runner-up San Antonio Spurs.

"When he (James) commits to something, he commits to something," said Kemp on the "Iconic Sonics" podcast in August. "And I think by him going to Philadelphia, it is going to raise the level of seriousness and their hopes up. And I would say that if they can stay healthy, I would pick Philadelphia and San Antonio."

Kemp pointed out that the key to unlocking Joel Embiid's recovery and return from a series of injuries could lie in James' palm.

"Well, if you look at what he’s kind of saying, it’s Joel Embiid; he’s probably the guy that he thinks he can motivate the most. He’s played with this guy in the Olympics. He’s played with this guy before. So he’s probably thinking he can motivate him a little bit to be a little healthier, play with a little more energy this year."

Embiid played only 38 games last season, courtesy of various issues, like recovering from a knee injury entering the season, which accounted for the majority of the games he missed, followed by an oblique strain in February, appendicitis in April, and a sore ankle and hip in May.

James, with his plethora of experience, might be able to guide Embiid right, is the point Kemp made.

Ultimately, James' arrival brings both questions and bigger championship expectations. We will get some answers on Sep. 28, when the team has its media day followed by the onset of training camp next week.