LeBron James, the NBA’s greatest scorer, has been a force to be reckoned with on the court. He once said, “The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.” However, as he turns 40 in December, the inevitable reality of stepping down from his role as the Los Angeles Lakers’ key player may be looming.
For the past six seasons, the Lakers have relied on LeBron to carry the team, but with his impending milestone birthday, it’s time to start thinking about the future. The team will have to go through a rebuilding process, and it’s crucial to put a different key player at the center of things. As Jeanie Buss is now being urged not to delay this transition any further, it’s clear that change is on the horizon.
In a recent episode of the ‘Locked on Lakers’ podcast, host Andy Kamenetzky pointed out that the Lakers have delayed handing the key role to Anthony Davis. He emphasized that the longer LeBron remains on the roster, the more challenging it will be to rebuild the team around Anthony Davis.
It’s essential for the franchise to start preparing for a future without LeBron as the team leader in order to return to championship contention. With LeBron already committed to a 2-year extension worth $101.36 million, it seems that there’s only one option left for the Lakers management.
“If you really want to build around Anthony Davis, you kind of need to convince LeBron to leave,” Kamenetzky stated.
We hear this every season
They make trades and still lose. Media blames Rob Pelinka and Jeanie buss
This comes with the territory of having LeBron on your roster
There’s a 24/7 propaganda machine protecting him https://t.co/i31AB6R7XL
— Mr. Old Man (@MrOldMan9000) September 4, 2024
Lakers prepare for life after LeBron
Convincing LeBron to exit early is not an ideal scenario for either party. Despite being 39 years old, LeBron remains the Lakers’ most valuable asset. The team’s performance in the 91 games that LeBron has missed over the last four seasons speaks volumes.
With a winning record of only 39-52 in his absence, it’s clear that his impact on the court is undeniable. Averaging 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8 assists during his tenure with the Lakers, LeBron has been the lead scorer and a crucial component of the team’s success.
Jeanie Buss on LeBron James: ‘He’s still a bargain to me’ https://t.co/3jF1zHOqxf
— The Best News Network (@MightyBetsSN) August 28, 2024
As the Lakers navigate this pivotal moment in their franchise’s history, it’s essential to handle this transition with care and consideration. While change is inevitable, finding a balance between honoring LeBron’s legacy and preparing for the future is crucial.