1. Signing LeBron James
Any time you sign one of the greatest players in NBA history it automatically jumps to the top of the list.
The Lakers had gone through a barren number of years. With lottery pick after lottery pick, the Lakers had a young core of players that they drafted and felt could be good someday.
But, in Los Angeles and especially within the Lakers organization, you go big or you go home and The Lakers went big!
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
The signing of LeBron James marked the end of a difficult road for the Los Angeles Lakers, a road of mediocrity that became all too familiar for those within the Lakers organization. Not since the Dwightmare had the Lakers felt any real hope when it came to competing for a ring. Six years later and the Lakers were back!.
While LeBron’s 1st season with the purple and gold was derailed due to LeBron getting injured and numerous other players falling ill, his 2nd season with the Lakers has started with a bang!.
With many within the NBA community throwing dirt on LeBron’s grave, LeBron took it upon himself to show the rest of the NBA world that the King ain’t dead.
LeBron has exploded this season and is currently leading the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference so far this season. Averaging a double-double in points and assists this season as well as nearly eight rebounds per game, LeBron is showing everyone that he is still one of the best players in the world.
On offense, LeBron has taken his playmaking to another level. He is dishing the ball at a league-leading level and doing so in style. Not since the days of Magic Johnson have the Lakers had a playmaker who made things look so effortless.
LeBron is also grabbing boards at an elite level and taking the ball coast to coast at the other end of the floor, dazzling the crowd with spins, dunks, and alley-oops.
LeBron has even developed into a consistent 3-point threat. He is capable of scoring anyway he wants and he has shown that so far this season. Backing his man down in the post LeBron can play bull ball or play with finesse. He can shoot from anywhere, make ridiculous passes and has even stepped it up on defense this year.
Usually reserved for the playoffs, LeBron has shown the world that when he is locked in, he is still an elite defender. Whether it is stripping the ball off his man or pinning shots to the backboard, LeBron has been amazing this season for the Lakers on defense.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have a real chance to win a championship this season.
Two of the most important trades/signings over the last decade are the exact reason why the Lakers have a real chance to start the 2020’s with a championship.