EL SEGUNDO — I don’t know exactly what tone you read this summer’s comments by Rich Paul on LeBron James’ behalf, after he opted into the final, $52.6 million year of his contract with the Lakers: “He knows the Lakers are building for the future … but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”

But I know, in your head, that sounded different than how James actually sounded Monday at the Lakers’ preseason media day , ahead of the season opener on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.

Because when he took the mic on Monday – No. 2 in the batting order behind Luka Doncic – there was nothing about James that gave off tension about his status in the organization.

On the contrary. The man was buoyant. Bronny’s dad had jokes. He was yapping like he’d just had a double espresso

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