LeBron James will return to the NBA for his 21st season in the league. James made the announcement at the 2023 ESPYS.
With LeBron James’ return confirmed, NBA analyst Nick Wright has a new challenge for him. Wright says if James can be the best player on the Lakers and win a ring for the team in year 21, it would be the greatest accomplishment in the history of pro basketball.
“If the Lakers win the title next year and LeBron is the level of player he was this year, which I think he was the best player on the team,” Wright said on a recent episode of First Things First. “I think it’ll be the greatest accomplishment of anyone’s career in the NBA. If you could be the best player on the champion in year 21… it at least is in the argument for the greatest accomplishment in the history of pro basketball.”
"If the Lakers win the title next year and LeBron is the best player on the team in Year 21, it would be the greatest accomplishment of anyone's career." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/naFxRct5y2
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 13, 2023
Prior to LeBron James, only six players have appeared in 21 seasons in NBA history. They are Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, and Moses Malone. Carter averaged the most points during the regular season in year 21 among these players with 7.4 PPG.
Moreover, only Robert Parish played in the postseason. He scored just 2 points in the 1997 playoffs. No player other than him even made the playoffs in year 21. Keeping that in mind, if James can not only win a title but also be the best player on the team, it would be a phenomenal achievement.
Can LeBron James Lead The Los Angeles Lakers To An NBA Championship In Year 21?
LeBron James is coming on the heels of averaging 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 6.8 APG in the 20th season of his career.
If he can average similar numbers in the upcoming season, it would be a great achievement. But can he win a title? NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins doesn’t believe LeBron James can lead the Lakers to a championship.
“I don’t. And not because I don’t believe in LeBron James. Look, I think he’s the greatest player of all time. We can debate that another day. I’m standing on that, 10 toes down. But when it comes down to putting expectations on a guy that’s going to be 39 years old in December, I just can’t do that.
“Especially when he’s playing alongside a guy that is in his prime – a top-five talent – in Anthony Davis. This shouldn’t be on LeBron James.”
Perkins’ reasoning is understandable since James is in the twilight years of his career. But he’s still expected to be the best player on the Lakers’ roster. The Lakers were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals in the 2023 playoffs.
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