Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking every LeBron James-centered big 3

By Jason Reed | Aug 2, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands prior to a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on January 07, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

LeBron James’ legacy will be complicated when he eventually hangs it up but one thing will be certain, he will be remembered for the “big threes” that he has played for.

It is not a new thing for a superstar to play alongside other stars, despite what LeBron haters may say. Magic Johnson had multiple Hall of Fame teammates, headlined by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. Kobe Bryant had Shaquille O’Neal. Stephen Curry had Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.

Heck, even Michael Jordan had arguably the greatest perimeter defender (and one of the most underrated players of all time) in Scottie Pippen.

LeBron finds himself as a member of a new big three now that the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook. Westbrook may no longer be in MVP form but he is still a former MVP that is all-star-caliber and is absolutely good enough to qualify for a big three.

But where does the Los Angeles Lakers’ big three rank compared to LeBron James’ other big threes?

LeBron won his first two titles with teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and won his third title with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Title no. 4 was won with just Anthony Davis, but it was not a big three.

You could argue the order of these three teams for days as these three units are close. However, at the end of the day, there is a distinct pecking order.