Los Angeles Lakers: Comparing LeBron James’ season to other top free agents

How does LeBron James’ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers stack up against this summer’s top free agents? This article compares the numbers between James’ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers and those of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and DeMarcus Cousins.

The Los Angeles Lakers face an important crossroad this summer.

Acquire a marquee free agent to pair with LeBron James, and the Lakers are instantly competing for a championship. Lakers president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, and general manager, Rob Pelinka, would finally be able to build a real roster and a winning culture around James and another star instead of perpetually signing mercenaries on one-year deals.

Strike out, and the Lakers would resemble Michael Jordan‘s twilight years with the Washington Wizards: entertaining, novel, but ultimately forgotten.

This summer’s top free agents include Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors), Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors), Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics), Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors), Jimmy Butler (Philadelphia 76ers), and DeMarcus Cousins (Golden State Warriors).

Less than a year ago, James was the clear-consensus, best basketball player in the world.

However, many around the league believe James lost a step this season, whether by age or injury.

This season, LeBron James is averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 51.0% from the field. This is greater than James’ career averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 50.4% from the field.

This article delves into the numbers to see how James’ first year with the Lakers stacks up against this summer’s marquee free agents’ seasons.

(Statistics source: Basketball-Reference.com)