Why it won't be wise to count out LeBron James & the Lakers
LeBron James will turn 39 years old during the upcoming 2023-24 season.
NBA basketball returns Oct. 24. We are counting down the days like the seconds on a shot clock — literally, that’s what we’re doing. As of Oct. 1, our writers will list 24 storylines heading into the 2023-24 NBA season.
A new storyline will drop each day. Here is No. 2:
As LeBron James enters his 20th NBA season, he and the Lakers should not be underestimated.
Because: They reached the Western Conference Finals last season despite an uninspired start.
And: All those bribes paid by James to Father Time are apparently working.
Let’s keep the context here: The Lakers aren’t prohibitive favorites to win the 2024 NBA championship, let alone reach the NBA Finals, let alone return to the West finals. But based on common basketball sense and a check of the roster, they should be in the mix. It would be a surprise if they weren’t.
Let’s keep the context here, Part II: James and Anthony Davis must stay healthy. Uh, yeah.
Assuming that’s the case, the Lakers are built to last. Salute to Rob Pelinka, who has been the busiest, and maybe the best, league executive from the trading deadline last February until now. Since then, the Lakers added Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish and Jalen Hood-Schifino and subtracted … Russell Westbrook. All of the above are rotational players ranging from good to decent enough.
Also during this stretch, Austin Reaves became a core player who sparkled during the playoffs, then got paid, then made Team USA for the FIBA World Cup. The Lakers don’t have three stars, but they’ve got 2 1/2.
But, back to James and Davis. LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game last season at age 38. Even if there’s a drop-off in Year 39, will it be that drastic? Probably not. (We’re not taking bets on Year 40, though.) Besides, Davis showed during the playoffs how much of a force he is at both ends … when healthy. Together, they’re one of the top duos in the league. And they’re surrounded by solid complimentary players.
This is The Last Great Chance at a fifth championship for LeBron. Now: Will the Basketball Gods be as kind as Father Time?
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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