The Los Angeles Lakers only have LeBron James left standing after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with devastating injuries against the Thunder. The nightmare scenario has both stars missing the first round of the playoffs and all but eliminates the purple and gold. This was after winning 16 of 18 to get back into the mix. Fans are devastated, but nobody is more upset than King James.
It looked like LeBron had a real shot at a fifth ring. Only 26 players in NBA history have won five or more. It would tie James with Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Magic Johnson. That only improves his GOAT case, but sadly, the argument is out the window.
Nobody can expect a 41-year-old LeBron to put the team on his back. They are just 0.5 games up for the third seed and need King James to defeat the Timberwolves or Rockets in the first round with just role players around him. It is an impossible task for this version of LeBron, and fans face a grim reality.
LeBron James just lost his best shot at a fifth championship
It is unbelievable that LeBron is playing this well at 41 years old. He is averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 33.4 minutes per game this season. James is shooting over 51 percent from the field and has been the best transition scorer in the league. This is the oldest player in the NBA and one of two over the age of 40. The other is Kyle Lowry, who is a former All-Star who rarely leaves the 76ers' bench.
NBA players are supposed to be retired at 40, not playing like a superstar, but Father Time catches up to everyone. LeBron’s decline could come quickly. Every year is his best remaining chance to win a title. King James is nearing the end of a legendary career and is running out of chances to play a starring role in a fifth championship.
Nobody knows what is next. LeBron opted in to the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The vibes were high before the injuries. He could return to Los Angeles, but it would mean taking a hefty pay cut. James may decide to leave. If he does, it will likely be to play for less on a contending roster.
Luka Doncic looked like the best player in the world, and the Lakers were on fire before his injury. LeBron’s best shot to win is teaming with Luka on the Lakers unless he is going to play for the minimum in San Antonio or Oklahoma City. King James won’t want his farewell tour in either city.
This was still the Lakers' best chance with LeBron. The GOAT is only declining from here. It may not be a massive drop, but he won’t be better at 42 than he is right now.
James did everything right. He slowly worked his way back from an injury to start the season and was buying into a lesser role for team success. Everything was going to plan before that disastrous night in Oklahoma City. Now, LeBron is left leading an inferior roster into the playoffs and just hoping he can help his team stay alive long enough for Luka and AR to return.
The Los Angeles Lakers are dreaming if they believe they can win a first-round playoff series without their two best players. LeBron James’ best shot at getting a fifth title went up in smoke when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were injured against the Thunder. The Lakers’ focus will now shift to the offseason and trying to build a legit title challenger around number 77.
Sadly, LeBron’s odds of winning it all will only get worse from here. That is a painful reality Lakers fans must accept. The 41-year-old is nearing the end, no matter how amazing he looks on the floor right now.