Thanks to the arrival of LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers went from Western Conference bottom-feeders to instant Championship contenders. Now, as they prepare for the continuation of action next month, they may be the best-equipped team in the league to win.
But not everyone is a fan of LeBron and while there is no doubting the impact he has made in L.A., some have questioned whether or not he will be able to deliver on his mission to bring another title to Lakerland.
Take Paul Pierce, for example. After famously saying he’d rank LeBron Jame outside of his top 5, it’s clear Pierce has a very lower view of the King than most. But did you know that in 2019, he said he’d trade James if the Lakers got the no. 1 pick?
https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1270132864764522496
Of course, it was all hypothetical but had the Lakers actually traded James back then, they wouldn’t be in the position they are now. Even at 35-years-old, LeBron James is the best player in the league, putting up averages of 25.7 points, 10.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game on 49.8% shooting.
His presence alone led to the signing of Danny Green and trade for Anthony Davis.
Needless to say, LeBron is important for the Lakers in more than one way. While Pierce and others have not always believed in James, the Lakers have been happy to place their trust in him so far — and that has gotten them a long way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1i3eHM24Jk
