In year 19, LeBron James continues to build his case for being the NBA’s All-Time greatest player. As a 17x All-Star, 4x NBA Champion, and 4x MVP, he’s already close to securing that title.
But when it comes to Championships, Michael Jordan still holds a sizeable lead over King James — a lead that James hopes to evaporate in this final chapter of his career.
Unfortunately, some believe the title window has already closed for his Lakers, and that the “King” is officially done winning Championships.
Stephen A. Smith made the case in a segment on NBA Countdown:
“He ain’t winning a championship in LA. If you got a shot, this is the year, and as far as I’m concerned, it ain’t gonna happen because at least two teams–possibly four teams–in the West are better than them. And that doesn’t even take into account the Eastern Conference. Ain’t happening,” Smith explained.
“LeBron James is LeBron James. Russell Westbrook is there because LeBron James signed off on it. Anthony Davis is there because LeBron James wanted that badly [and he] signed off on it. The players that are gone … they’re not going if LeBron James said ‘What are we doing, don’t get rid of those dudes.’ I’m not saying he’s the one that went to the front office and said ‘Do it,’ but the bottom line is they would have not done it if they didn’t have his blessing.”
I'm sorry….LeBron is not winning another championship WHILE HE'S STILL IN LA! pic.twitter.com/iorMfU1Qsz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 11, 2021
The Lakers are struggling this season, but that’s no fault of LeBron.
At 36-years-old, he is once again playing like one of the elites, averaging 25.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game on 48.9% shooting.
But if the Lakers want any hope of winning the title, they’re going to need more than the 4x MVP. Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and the supporting cast will have to step up and provide a boost on both ends of the floor.
Whether or not they’re capable of doing that for a lengthy stretch of time remains to be seen, bu
