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3 things we learned about the 2021 Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 blowout

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the bench during the second half in Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the bench during the second half in Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Anthony Davis is undoubtedly more important than LeBron James

LeBron James has been the face of the NBA for nearly two decades and is one of the greatest players of all time. He has officially reached a fork in the road in his career. He is no longer the most important player to the team he is playing for. That honor goes to Anthony Davis, who could not stay healthy this season.

There are two reasons for this. First is the matchup. Davis is just impossible for any team to guard and we saw that in this series. When Davis was right the Lakers won. When he was not right, or was hurt, they lost.

The other reason is age and injury. That high-ankle sprain has had a bigger impact on LeBron than he is letting on (once the Lakers are eliminated he will probably bring it up). He is not the same guy that he was even six months ago. He is not attacking the rim at the same rate and even when he was tasked to go vintage LeBron he decided to take 10 three-point shots because that is where he is at in his career.

I think this is the beginning of the regression for LeBron. Does that mean he will be bad next season? Not at all. He will still be an all-star and one of the 15 best players in the league. But at some point father time gets everyone. And while he had defied it thus far, it will eventually get him. This ankle injury might have just been the catalyst.

Do the Los Angeles Lakers lose this game by 30 points if Davis was playing and LeBron was hurt? Probably not. That should tell you all you need to know.

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