The Los Angeles Lakers boast two of the biggest stars in the NBA along with LeBron James and Luka Donsic, but their success may not be sustainable.
After adding Luka Doncic to the trading deadline last season, it’s easy to see this year’s Los Angeles Lakers as a title favourite. After all, they boast Don Sic, LeBron James and Austin Reeves. This is probably the third best option in the entire league.
However, there are still unanswered questions about its depth, defense and health. James turns 41 this season, but it’s unclear how much of a motive he left behind, and there’s far less gas in the tank.
The Lakers are working on a promising but uncertain future, so dramatic measures are expected.
James was the dominant defender at his peak, demonstrated by his six all-defensive team selection. However, he has many miles on his feet, and Deandre Ayton, Jake Laravia, Dalton Knecht, Doncic and Reaves are not exactly Dpoty Calibre.
On top of that, James appears to be unhappy with the Lakers not committing to him in the long run, and his buy-in for the team’s success is being questioned as he will become an unlimited free agent this summer.
“I don’t know how the Lakers can stay at No. 3 seed again,” he wrote. Yahoo’s Tom Harborstro.
“I believe in Skinny Ruka, but if LeBron James is checked out at all, this roster doesn’t have enough depth to maintain the level necessary to claim the home court advantage in the first round.
Of course, even James, who hasn’t been bought, is still an elite player, and now that he’s in good health, Don Sic is expected to return to the forefront in the MVP race. However, as the Phoenix Suns showed, having three stars surrounded by sub-average players does not guarantee success.
James’ mentality aside, the Lakers have some very realistic on-court issues.
“The Lakers face real defensive issues when they try to build a lineup around James, Don Sic and Reeves,” added Ben Rohrbach.
When Doncic, James and Reaves shared the floor, the Lakers had a defensive rating of 121.6, the worst of the three-man group in the league.
Even if James finishes this season and creates the 22nd All-NBA team, it’s impossible to define him as a “building block.”
He turns 41 at the end of the season and reveals he dreams of playing with both sons in the NBA, but Blythe is not guaranteed to make a league, he is working hard to strengthen their core around Donsey and turn James into the best bidder.
James has linked to the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, but his return to Cleveland is the best way to end his career.
“It’s not easy, but if the Cavs get off to a slow start, Darius Garland’s contract could be big enough to oil the wheels in a three- or four-team deal,” predicted Haberstroh.
James’ trade values are at the lowest ever, but the Cavaliers have a ball guard with Donovan Mitchell, and James will fit the roster well, even at his upper age. It’s just a matter of building a deal to get him there.
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