LeBron James spent eight consecutive season donning purple and gold. It was the longest individual stint he had with any team during his storied NBA career. So, what is the verdict on his time with the Los Angeles Lakers?
For many, it is hard to view James' time in Los Angeles as anything but a success. LeBron elevated the Lakers back to relevance after a handful of miserable years in the mid-2010s. The Lakers superstar led the franchise back to championship glory. There are some out there who will not deem that enough, though.
At the very least, despite six of those seasons bringing playoff basketball to Los Angeles, there are those who will be underwhelmed with the one championship that LeBron helped deliver to the franchise. The fault for those perceived shortcomings should not fall on James, though.
If LeBron's sole title, NBA scoring record, and other feats were not enough to truly enshrine him in the Lakers' Hall of Fame, that is a testament to the underwhelming work done by the franchise, not the other way around. The failures should not be pinned on James.
LeBron James did the best with what he had in Los Angeles
James was the last member standing of the 2020 championship team before opting to leave the Lakers this summer. The supporting casts in Los Angeles since that team were underwhelming by the standards of a team chasing a title.
Apart from the first few seasons, this was not peak of his powers LeBron. The Lakers had to understand that a stronger supporting cast was required to find success. They were not going to get the 2018 version of James who could backpack a couple of kids off the street to an NBA Finals appearance.
Search through the memory banks. Who were James' best teammates in Los Angeles?
Anthony Davis immediately stands out as number one. Austin Reaves probably takes the spots at number two over Luka Doncic due to longevity. One and a half seasons of Luka would probably still qualify as third place, though.
Keep digging. How long does it take before those teammates start becoming a lot more spotty than those three guys?
James was still capable of great basketball during his Lakers run. LeBron remained the team's best player up until the arrival of Doncic. Despite that sustained individual excellence, the front office rarely gave him enough support to really push for that second championship in Hollywood.
The hopes would be that Mark Walter's regime will be different. No one wants to see Doncic face criticism in Los Angeles that should be pinned elsewhere.
James did his part for the Lakers. His time should be viewed as a success. For those who would disagree, the blame should be directed appropriately.
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