Moritz Wagner opens up on the pressure of playing next to LeBron James in L.A.: “It wasn’t the ideal situation for me” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Being teammates with the iconic LeBron James is a rare experience. While most players can only dream of it, Moritz Wagner is one of the few who actually lived it during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 2010s.
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In a recent appearance on the “OMR Podcast,” the Orlando Magic big man reflected on his time in L.A.. Wagner didn’t hesitate to call James the best player he’s ever shared the court with — but admitted the experience came with challenges.
“When he arrived, so did a lot of attention and pressure. In an organization like that, there’s naturally less time for a young player. I don’t blame anyone for it, but it wasn’t the ideal situation for me,” reflected Wagner.
Early NBA struggles
As Wagner nears his eighth NBA season, his rookie year with the Lakers in 2018-19 arguably remains his most defining chapter.
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Adjusting to the NBA’s speed and physicality — far beyond college ball — was tough. He said early injuries made it harder, along with struggles adapting to the league’s inner workings.
The Lakers’ environment, where scrutiny never lets up, didn’t make that adjustment any easier. You might assume things were more relaxed at the time, given the franchise’s struggles post-Kobe Bryant. Wagner agreed — the Purple and Gold were indeed in a rough patch. But, according to him, everything changed the moment James, then a three-time champion and four-time MVP, arrived.
A media frenzy has followed every step of The Chosen One throughout his storied career, and his move from Cleveland to Los Angeles only amplified it. The pressure wasn’t just tough on LeBron — it impacted everyone around the Lakers. For Moritz, then in his early 20s, it was overwhelming.
“Suddenly, there are like 30 journalists standing in the locker room after every game. We’re somewhere in Oklahoma City or Memphis in the middle of February, and still, there are 40 people standing there, bringing step stools so they can film LeBron during the postgame interview… of course, it was difficult for a young player,” the German-born center recalled.
Lessons learned
Wagner recalled that only after being traded did he realize how bizarre his year playing alongside King James in the City of Angeles truly was.
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“With other teams, it was more like two beat writers at every game, and that was it. So then I could change in peace in the locker room,” explained the now 28-year-old. “It wasn’t the standard I experienced in my first year.”
Wagner also admitted that his L.A. experience played a part in why it took him some time to find his “groove” in the NBA. Still, he doesn’t place any blame on his former franchise or past superstar teammate.
Moe does have one regret, though. In the podcast interview, he said he wishes he had been the player he is today back then with the Lakers.
“I think I could have scored a lot of points without even dribbling. Just playing smart, being in the right spots, and he (James) would see you,” he concluded.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.