Bill Simmons believes that Luka Donsic’s arrival at La Lakers gave LeBron James an unfortunate distinction.
The Los Angeles Lakers boast the best duo in the NBA today, as Luka Donsic and LeBron James are the two best players.
The Lakers landed Luka Donsic in a shocking trade in February. And in doing so, they formed an incredible tandem.
But Donsic’s arrival may be the reason LeBron James decided to leave the team. James accepted the $52.6 million player option and began speculation about his future.
James wants to compete for the NBA championship, but he understands that the Lakers prioritize buildings around Luka Donsic.
However, this conundrum has earned a unfortunate distinction from LeBron James.
Bill Simmons talked about LeBron James about to leave La Lakers. He believes James is the biggest superstar in NBA history, not a top priority for the team.
He mentioned several superstars who avoided that fate. And since Luka Donsic arrived, James appears to be upset that it has lost importance to the Lakers.
“I think this is just as easy as this, he is the best NBA player to be in this situation where he’s on someone else’s team.
“If I had experienced the best people of all the time I’ve been down, Jordan would never have been in this situation.
“Bill Russell? Never. Kareem, never. Magic, never. Bird, never. Duncan, never.
“Wilt Chamberlain was traded twice, but even near the end they won the Lakers title in 1972. He was always in control of his destiny: Curry, Kobe, Jerry West…
“You finally go to Hakeem as the first great guy like ‘Oh, s___. My team doesn’t seem to want them to build around me and make it my team anymore.”
“I think it’s really difficult. It was like 23 years. From the moment Luka appeared, it was Luka, Luka, Luka.
If Bill Simmons is right, if he’s upset with the La Lakers who wants to build around Luka Donsic, he may not get what he wants if he leaves the Lakers.
At 40, James is nearing the end of his career. So the team he goes to has that fact in mind.
Plus, James could join another superstar and a team. Will the team that landed him prioritize the 40-year-old superstar over the much younger star left in his career?
LeBron has given no indication of his future, but he knows he wants to compete for the NBA championship.
It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can create a roster that James thinks is good enough to compete.