NBA News Roundup, Sunday, April 21st: LeBron James' commitment to Lakers called into question, Clippers hold an advantage over Lakers, and more

With the 2019 playoffs now well underway, NBA fans are already speculating on who will be the main challengers in a year's time. A number of high-profile stars will hit free agency this summer, and there are plenty of rumors regarding where the league's top stars will land.

NBA teams are also preparing for the upcoming draft, so here are all the latest news and rumors for April 21st.

Is LeBron James unhappy at the Lakers?

The Lakers failed to qualify for the postseason despite the addition of James

After opting out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer, LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a long term deal. The addition of the NBA's best player was expected to propel the Lakers into contention, however, the team finished the season outside the playoffs with a disappointing 37-45 record.

Since the season's conclusion, both Magic Johnson and Luke Walton have exited the team, and Metro Sports' Matt Burke believes that James may want out of the Lakers:

If the Lakers go a few more weeks without a hire to the head coach spot, expect a new round of LeBron trade rumors to heat up.

The conventional wisdom is that Buss is going to hire a pro-LeBron coach and executive but Buss could opt to play a wait-and-see game. What this will come down to is how much power Buss wants to cede to LeBron.

If she is not willing to bring in a Ty Lue or Monty Williams, then there will be even further trouble at Staples Center. LeBron could actually wind up asking to get out of LA.

James finished his debut season in LA averaging 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game -- although Jeanie Buss reportedly considered trading LeBron ahead of the February trade deadline.

League Executives believe Clippers hold an advantage over Lakers

Both of the Los Angeles teams are expected to target high-profile free agents such as Kawhi Leonard

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will have major cap space available this summer, and both teams are expected to fight for the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving.

The Lakers have for a long time been viewed as Los Angeles' most attractive destination, however, Jovan Buha of The Athletic believes that the Clippers will hold the advantage this summer:

L.A. is a desired place of living, guys like to be there during the offseason -- an NBA agent told The Athletic. And they have stuff that sets them apart from like the Lakers -- continuity, cohesiveness. They have an owner who will do whatever it takes that’s possible.

The Clippers are currently facing off against the Warriors in the playoffs, and the team has room to offer two-max deals this summer.

Chuma Okeke declares for NBA draft

Chuma Okeke played a major role in Auburn's March Madness run

Despite suffering an ACL injury during the Sweet 16 stage of March Madness, Chuma Okeke has declared for the upcoming NBA draft. Okeke made the announcement on his Instagram account, also thanking his teammates:

After talking with my family, coach Pearl, and the entire staff at Auburn, I have decided to declare for the 2019 NBA draft. I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, teammates and the entire Auburn family for their continued support these past two seasons.

Before suffering his season-ending ACL injury, Okeke was projected as a first-round draft pick. Over the course of the season, Okeke averaged 12.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, and he also shot a respectable 38.7 percent from 3-point range. ESPN is also reporting that teams are unlikely to be deterred by Okeke's current injury.