Los Angeles Lakers: Damian Lillard believes LeBron James is best player in NBA
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard still believes Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is the best player in the NBA.
When the Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James during free agency in 2018, many people believed the franchise was back on track. With James leading the way for a talented group of young players, the Lakers looked to have things set up well. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan.
James labored through the worst season of his career, health-wise. He played in only 55 games, missing 17 consecutive games after injuring his groin on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors.
James wasn’t the only player suffering through injuries on the Lakers last season as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the only player to appear in all 82 games. JaVale McGee and Kyle Kuzma were the only two other players to appear in at least 70 games.
The injuries were just too much to overcome, as the Lakers finished last season 37-45, well short of expectations. As a result, James’ standing among the elite in the NBA came into question.
James’ first season in the Western Conference resulted in his playoff and NBA Finals streak both being snapped. At 34-years old and with nearly three regular seasons worth of playoff games, has Father Time finally caught up to James?
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With James not making the postseason, other players have come up in discussion as the best in the league. Giannis Antetokounmpo, fresh off an MVP award, and Kawhi Leonard, the 2019 NBA Finals MVP, have come up in discussion. Kevin Durant looked ready to assume that title before injuring his Achilles in the NBA Finals.
Over the summer, a panel at ESPN voted on who the best player in the NBA is. Shockingly, James received zero votes, as Antetokounmpo, Leonard and James Harden were selected.
One person not yet ready to turn the title of best in the league over to someone else is Portland Trail Blazers point guard, Damian Lillard. Lillard, making an appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast, said he still believes James is the best player in the league.
Lillard could be right. While the injuries are a sign Father Time is knocking on the door, his production on the court was still elite. James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.2 minutes per game. His efficiency did drop across the board compared to recent seasons, otherwise, he could have pushed toward 30 points per game.
With Anthony Davis now playing alongside him in the frontcourt, that efficiency should improve again. Opposing teams won’t be able to key in on him as much any longer, as Davis will also require a lot of attention from opposing defenses.
With so many people down on James for this upcoming season, you can be sure that he will be motivated to prove those people wrong. As long as he can remain healthy, there is no doubt that James is still one of the best players in the NBA.
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This is the first time in 13 years James has had a full summer to recharge. No playoffs or international basketball responsibilities. He will be motivated and fresh for the 2019-20 season, which will spell trouble for opponents.