LeBron James' new mindset is undeniable proof that time really is a flat circle. It's unfair, burdensome, and something the Los Angeles Lakers star is all too familiar with at this stage of his career.
James said this in response to what was needed out of him moving forward: "Everything, everything, so, nothing changes for me. It's just back to the old ways."
This year was finally supposed to be different for LeBron. A player who has been unfairly saddled with carrying Herculean-like loads throughout his NBA career was supposed to get his opportunity to be just one of the guys. James was still one of the main guys, but not THE guy. Alas, that was quickly ripped away from him.
The unfortunate injuries to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have thrust James right back under the spotlight with the Lakers. At 41 years old, this should no longer be the case, but the task of carrying a franchise is once again his. LeBron understands that fact all too well.
LeBron James' legendary career hits one more unfair obstacle in Los Angeles
James was going to be the third option. The future Hall of Famer was even excelling in that role when the Lakers were hitting their stride with a clean injury slate in March.
Somehow, the oldest of the three stars in Los Angeles is the one left standing to carry the torch (in the first round, at least). If this is where his time with the Lakers comes to an end, it would be a disappointing way for him to sign off.
James has been the sun his teams have all revolved around for the overwhelming majority of his career. Anytime there was an opportunity to pass the torch to someone else, it got taken away.
James could not do it with Kyrie Irving due to the former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate taking off before that could happen. LeBron clearly wanted to hand the reins in Los Angeles over to Anthony Davis, but his injury troubles thrust the Lakers forward back into being a first option too often.
Doncic was it. In the long-term, he still will be. However, two seasons with the top-five superstar faces the very real threat of having little to show for an aging James who deserved to have that level of player alleviate pressure off him.
If James' only gets two years with Doncic and they are merely chalked up to transitional seasons for the Lakers, it would be a massive shame for a player who deserves more. Unfortunately, the only real way he get might something beyond that is by forcing that opportunity for himself.
Doncic is over in Europe doing what he can to speed up his return timeline. Reaves is undoubtedly working hard on a return to the court too. If James wants a crack at more than just a first-round exit for the second year in a row, his mindset of giving the Lakers everything is, unfortunately, the right one.