Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James should challenge Kobe Bryant’s 17th Season
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had a great 17th season in the NBA and LeBron James is poised to surpass that production in his 17th season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been lucky enough to have some of the most dominant players in NBA history play for them.
Who remembers when LeBron James was taking over the basketball world as a teenager at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School about 20 years ago? Feels like yesterday, doesn’t it? Fast forward to 2019-20, where LeBron will be entering year number 17 in the NBA.
Not many can say they go more than 15 years in the league, and not many can see they have seen much success that deep into their career. LeBron James doesn’t compare to many, if any. He is in tip-top shape and has been immune to serious injury in his career, fortunately.
Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had success in year 17. Malone averaged 22.4 points, and Kareem averaged 23.4 points.
The only individual who has been truly great that deep into his career is Kobe Bryant. There’s a reason those three players are three of the best to ever lace them up. They were great players for a long period, a longer period than all of their counterparts.
Kobe carried the Lakers into the postseason in his 17th season. This 2012-13 Lakers team faced injuries everywhere on the roster. Players like Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard missed time throughout the year.
That season Bryant averaged 27.3 points, six assists, and 5.6 rebounds in 78 games. After the All-Star break, he averaged 28.5 points, seven assists, and 6.1 rebounds 24 games. Unfortunately, Bryant went down with an Achilles injury the last week of the season.
Many people wonder what would’ve happened not only in that season but the rest of Bryant’s career. Bryant looked as dominant as any player in basketball at the moment. That’s something no player at that age can say about themselves. Had he stayed healthy, the Lakers would’ve had a realistic shot at pushing for a title that year too.
Now it’s James’ turn to make his mark in season 17.
Statistically, I expect James to have a similar season to Bryant. He may average a few points less due to the help around him, but more rebounds and assists.
With the NBA at the pace that it is, with teams scoring 110 in their sleep some nights, numbers won’t be an issue for a superstar like LeBron. What’s going to make his 17th season as significant as Kobe’s is if he can make a title run.
Kobe made big shot after big shot each night just so the Lakers can make the playoffs. The Lakers really had no business in the playoffs, but they finished 28-10 after starting 17-25.
LeBron has no excuses in year two with the Lakers. He has a lot of help this time around. A superstar in Antony Davis, a terrific young rising star in Kyle Kuzma, and most importantly a deep roster.
In year 16, LeBron James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 55 games. Throughout the season, he faced a challenge he never faced, a significant injury. The groin injury sidelined him for more than a month. James returned and played well down the stretch, but the team struggled to string wins together.
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One area LeBron must improve in this season is becoming a closer. Last season, James went quiet in many fourth quarters throughout the season. That’s one area that Bryant had a clear edge; Bryant never shied away from those moments.
James will have the luxury of playing with a once in a generation talent in Davis. The addition will help James, especially on defense as he is one of the league’s best rim protectors.
Like a young LeBron James, Davis has had all the individual success in the world, but he is missing a ring. A hungry Davis and LeBron will give the Lakers as formidable of a frontcourt as one can imagine.
The Lakers are in “title or bust” mode. General manager Rob Pelinka has even stated it. This was made clear when they traded their future away for an established superstar. If James wants to receive the unconditional love Kobe got from the LA population, he has to win when it counts here.
Look for LeBron to average around 25 points to go alongside nine assists and about eight rebounds. He will be in the running for MVP as long as the Lakers secure a top-5 record in the conference. If he does the two things, he will challenge Kobe for the best 17th year ever.
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That will be up for people to debate.