LeBron's last game as a Laker?

[Jumper_Dad]

He ain't getting any younger and I don't see the Lakers picking up Bronny to make him happy enough to stay around another year. LeBron has a player option for next season that he could opt out of if he wanted to move.

I've read a compelling article outlining that Dallas could be the perfect place for him if he wanted to chase another ring. I'm sure there are a few spots that even a 40 year old LeBron could help get over the hump for a title. Biggest question is, would he be willing to play for the veterans minimum to make a move possible. 

I guess my question or questions are, was this his last game as a Laker and will he be teammates with Bronny someplace next season?

[TheDeuce]

Absolutely no shot the Lakers sign Bronny, so if that's what LeBron wants, he's likely done in LA. 

[bugatti]

Who knows what will happen? But, what a strange run it has been with the Lakers and LeBron.

Year 1: Missed the playoffs.
Year 2: Won the bubble title, no parade, no fans celebrating, etc.
Year 3: Play-in game. Eliminated first round by Phoenix.
Year 4: Missed the playoffs.
Year 5: Play-in game, had some favorable matchups, but then got swept in the conference finals by Denver.
Year 6: Play-in game, gentlemen's sweep by Denver.

You can't say it has been an unsuccessful run since they were able to win it all in Orlando, but besides that year they have been in the play-in three times and missed the playoffs two others. Again, they won the title so you can't fault the move, but the play to get Davis really gutted the organization's infrastructure and was double-downed on when LeBron pushed to get Westbrook. I believe Palinka has done as masterful of a job as he could. They struck gold with Austin Reaves, but he has his limitations.

With Bronny, my theory is the LeBron camp was always angling to push the narrative his son is an NBA caliber player with the hope they force the Lakers' hand in taking him late second round round or as a FA signing. A couple of weeks into his college basketball career, it was evident that he was not a pro prospect. 

[bugatti]

I believe LeBron is motivated to be recognized as the GOAT and needs another ring to bolster his case. But with the injury risk of him and Davis with an unreliable roster, is he in a position to earn one in LA? (Not to mention other teams have elevated.) Probably not. And all he has on the GOAT front are longevity achievements. I am NOT dismissing those, btw... his career has been remarkable. But repeating "I'm the GOAT" messages, reposting memes, and building one's narrative can convince people of anything.

[TheDeuce]

24 minutes ago, bugatti said:

I believe LeBron is motivated to be recognized as the GOAT and needs another ring to bolster his case. But with the injury risk of him and Davis with an unreliable roster, is he in a position to earn one in LA? (Not to mention other teams have elevated.) Probably not. And all he has on the GOAT front are longevity achievements. I am NOT dismissing those, btw... his career has been remarkable. But repeating "I'm the GOAT" messages, reposting memes, and building one's narrative can convince people of anything.

LeBron won't get another ring unless he takes significantly less money to join a team that's already a title contender. 

[DanvilleFan]

I can't see the NBA Players Association being happy with a player of LeBron's caliber taking the league minimum.  That hurts their whole collective bargaining position, even if LeBron is getting older and his production isn't what it was.

[TheDeuce]

7 minutes ago, DanvilleFan said:

I can't see the NBA Players Association being happy with a player of LeBron's caliber taking the league minimum.  That hurts their whole collective bargaining position, even if LeBron is getting older and his production isn't what it was.

LeBron isn't going to take any minimum. 

[Voice of Reason]

Only three NBA players averaged 25, 7, 7 this year. LeBron was one of the three.

LeBron led the NBA in baskets made in the 4th quarter in both the regular season and the playoffs to date.

[bugatti]

8 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Only three NBA players averaged 25, 7, 7 this year. LeBron was one of the three.

LeBron led the NBA in baskets made in the 4th quarter in both the regular season and the playoffs to date.

His ability to perform at a high level this long into his career is remarkable. I will say, this is the first year I have watched LeBron and thought "LeBron is starting to look old and for once is not the best player on his team (AD was)." He is so cerebral and a basketball genius though he can hit his numbers. And he suddenly became an above-average three-point shooter which I did not have on my bingo card that helped his numbers. I do doubt the impact he is having on the game, especially on the defensive end where he often floats and can get cooked.

[TheDeuce]

32 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

LeBron led the NBA in baskets made in the 4th quarter in both the regular season and the playoffs to date.

A pretty meaningless stat considering their overall record and quick exit. 

[Voice of Reason]

3 minutes ago, TheDeuce said:

A pretty meaningless stat considering their overall record and quick exit. 

Yes and no. Speaks to more help needed, but we all know that.

[TheDeuce]

8 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Yes and no. Speaks to more help needed, but we all know that.

It's never enough for LeBron. 

[Jumper_Dad]

5 hours ago, TheDeuce said:

Absolutely no shot the Lakers sign Bronny, so if that's what LeBron wants, he's likely done in LA. 

I wouldn't think so either, then I saw this.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-open-to-drafting-bronny-james-with-lebrons-future-in-la-uncertain-per-report/

The Athletic reports that the Lakers are "open to the prospect" of drafting Bronny, fulfilling LeBron's widely talked about dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. 

Is this story put out by the Lakers just to placate LeBron for the time being while they figure out what they want to do. Or is there a real possibility that they draft him?

 

[DanvilleFan]

1 hour ago, Jumper_Dad said:

I wouldn't think so either, then I saw this.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-open-to-drafting-bronny-james-with-lebrons-future-in-la-uncertain-per-report/

The Athletic reports that the Lakers are "open to the prospect" of drafting Bronny, fulfilling LeBron's widely talked about dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. 

Is this story put out by the Lakers just to placate LeBron for the time being while they figure out what they want to do. Or is there a real possibility that they draft him?

 

Just imagine the headache for this as a coach if you aren't giving enough minutes to LeBron's son.  Like, what if he demands he gets a starting spot?

Have to feel bad for his son too.  He clearly needs some more seasoning in the college game and instead you are going to be drafted not by your ability but solely because your dad demands it.  Nepotism at its finest (which isn't unique of course to the NBA and pro sports).

[Voice of Reason]

2 hours ago, TheDeuce said:

It's never enough for LeBron. 

That is true, but he still is getting it done on the court.