LeBron James arrived in Los Angeles during the 2018 offseason and got to hoist a Larry O'Brien Trophy within his first two seasons of wearing purple and gold. The rosters around him after that point have been inconsistent in their quality. The next contender In Hollywood might not even include him.
That last part was a big reason why ESPN's Tim MacMahon thought James recent demeanor came across as a little grouchy. Some of James' recent comments were filled with frustration. Not getting an opportunity to see the light at the end of the tunnel would do that to anyone.
MacMahon said, "The Lakers are a roster remodeling around Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves away from being in the conversation of contenders. Part of LeBron's grumpiness, and this is obviously speculation, ... is probably the realization that he's not going to be part of that."
The ESPN reporter thought it wasn't a certainty James would be sent packing in the offseason, but he did describe a return as 'very unlikely.' LeBron might not get to go out on his own terms in Los Angeles, and that would justifiably spurn emotions up for just about any NBA legend in his shoes.
LeBron may never get to play with the Lakers’ next great supporting cast
What was the second-best roster — capable of competing for a championship — that James got to be a part of during his time in Los Angeles?
Was it the 2021 Lakers who were largely undone by injuries? Could it be the revamped 2023 squad that was squashed by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals?
Either way, it paints a clear picture about his time in Los Angeles. Beyond having a great running mate at the top, the Lakers front office largely underachieved in surrounding LeBron with the type of team that was capable of winning after the 2020 squad went the distance.
For argument's sake, despite the first-round exit, that 2021 team would probably claim the crown as the other best chance to win a title. A little bit of bad luck forced panic moves that would quickly cap the ceiling of any future roster being built.
The Lakers were drained of assets and a sufficient amount of quality role players following the Russell Westbrook disaster. The move to sacrifice a deeper roster in favor of a third star, especially one with such a questionable fit, always felt odd considering how Los Angeles won it all in 2020.
With Doncic in Los Angeles, hopes about a promising future are back. At 41 years old, James' mind is firmly in the present.