For the first time in 17 years, LeBron’s title window is no longer wide open
Have you noticed all the chatter?
It’s exceeded ‘loud.’ It’s essentially piercing our eardrums.
“The Lakers need another ball handler. … I still think this team can win a title, but it is going to be all on the shoulders of LeBron James come the playoffs b/c they have no one else they trust handling the ball or initiating the offense.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/YLFb8GXfoT
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 10, 2020
This isn’t the old LeBron – it’s just an older LeBron.
This version of the King needs help.
“I don’t believe one ounce of it. Trade deadline came and went and LeBron wants to save face. They didn’t get the guy in Marcus Morris.”
—@RobParkerFS1 on report that LeBron’s connection w/Lakers front office is best of his career pic.twitter.com/So024MpYEt
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 10, 2020
And after not getting that extra bit of help at the NBA trade deadline, the pressure is once again on LeBron to deliver a title for a team with presumably not enough championship pieces.
However, James isn’t getting any younger. And if the Lakers don’t win a title this year, the future looks bleak.
“I think the No. 1 seed matters. For the Lakers to keep the No. 1 seed, LeBron is going to have to play 37-38 minutes a night down the stretch. … You’ll see a better version of the Lakers in a few weeks.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/mVycVHfx7C
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 10, 2020
Los Angeles still has the best record in the Western Conference and arguably two of the top three players in the West.
With the first pick of the 2020 All-Star Draft, @KingJames selects … @AntDavis23 ?✖️〰️ pic.twitter.com/082jGqL01I
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 7, 2020
But after James and Anthony Davis, there is a dropoff.
A steep, steep dropoff.
“The Clippers are a better team. The Lakers are too LeBron-centric. It’s not LeBron’s fault, it’s his greatness, but he’s got to create for everybody. The Clippers have two stars, but the ball finds everybody.” — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/fitl81WsDD
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 10, 2020
If you compare the Lakers’ roster to the in-town rival Los Angeles Clippers, there is no comparison, especially after the trade deadline.
The Clippers landed Marcus Morris, who had been targeted by the Lakers in trade talks.
They gotta dog in Hollyhood @LAClippers let’s gets it pic.twitter.com/lQ760kdPxm
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) February 6, 2020
Morris is a dog, indeed, and he added depth to an already-deep Clippers roster, featuring Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Landry Shamet and Patrick Beverley, among others.
“It does hurt the Lakers because the Clippers got Marcus Morris. I think the Clippers are better… Marcus Morris is a 44% 3-point shooter, he can guard the post and he’s a dog.” — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/R537Uj7zyz
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 7, 2020
Now, back to the Lakers.
“When LeBron is on the court the Lakers are the best team in the West. The problem is not only been when LeBron goes to the bench, it’s been that Rondo is soaking up those minutes. Rondo, right now, is a detriment to winning.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/OXe65ksoRw
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 10, 2020
This season, LeBron has served as the dedicated point guard for the first time in his career, and he’s excelled, dishing out a league-leading 10.8 assists per game.
⬇️?¢ @KingJames has been dropping dimes this season! pic.twitter.com/TeKlIKHceZ
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 9, 2020
Still, at the trade deadline, the Lakers aggressively attempted to un-retire a retired point guard.
Darren Collison is sitting with Jeanie Buss at the Lakers game tonight. pic.twitter.com/DqUibRc44u
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 7, 2020
It didn’t come to fruition.
Veteran guard Darren Collison has decided that he won’t return to the NBA this season and plans to stay retired, league sources tell ESPN. Lakers and Clippers had been courting him, but Collison has informed teams that the timing isn’t right for him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2020
Now, LA has turned its attention to mercurial shooting guard Dion Waiters.
Lakers expected to have an “exploratory conversation” with Dion Waiters in the near future, per @wojespn
Waiters was officially waived by Memphis earlier today. pic.twitter.com/7CDMdkwSm7
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) February 10, 2020
The question is, why did the Lakers even need another piece? In years past, LeBron, coupled with a talent like Davis, would be enough to beat any team in the league – handily.
But LeBron – in his 17th season – isn’t the same guy that can carry a ragtag group of guys to the NBA Finals.
Only five players in the NBA are currently older than James: Vince Carter (43), Udonis Haslem (39), Kyle Korver (38) and Tyson Chandler (37).
It’s incredible that at age 35, LeBron is averaging 25 points, 7.7 rebounds and 10.8 assists.
“LeBron is like many superstars who put everything into their craft. They want everybody else doing the same thing. If he feels like the front office is all in on trying to win, he’s not going to complain.”@Chris_Broussard on LeBron’s connection with the Lakers front office pic.twitter.com/YHQ7y1WqGS
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 10, 2020
He certainly puts everything into his craft.
But Father Time is un– you know the rest.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won NBA titles with the Lakers in 1987 and 1988 at ages 40 and 41, but he was nowhere near his prime.
Tim Duncan won a title at 38, but he wasn’t the driving force. Kawhi Leonard won NBA Finals MVP that season.
Michael Jordan won his last title at 35. Kobe Bryant won his last at 31. Magic Johnson won his last at 28.
“The margin for error for the Lakers is paper thin. LeBron has to be great, AD has to be great.” — @SIChrisMannix pic.twitter.com/6aRIXtOt3j
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 7, 2020
LeBron is, and always has been, great.
But what happens when great is no longer good enough?
FOX Bet has the Lakers favored to win the NBA title, and if the betting public is correct, James will make history this season.
But if it’s incorrect, his title window might be history.
