The Los Angeles Lakers have had a funny season. They won the inaugural in-season tournament emphatically. They are also languishing in 9th place in the Western Conference. The Lakers have a stacked team with Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Rui Hachimura. Despite all these stars they are struggling to qualify for the play-in tournament which would see them competing against 4 teams for a spot in the playoffs. As all this pressure mounts up, one man has stepped up once again to lead the Lakers into the knockouts. Lebron James has awoken, but how long can he keep it up?
Ballad in Brooklyn
On Monday, Lebron James balled out against the Brooklyn Nets. He scored 40 points in 37 minutes. He sunk 9 three-pointers as he matched his career high for points scored behind the arc. When the dust settled, Nets fans couldn’t help but applaud the greatness of the chosen one. The former Cleveland man and his first-mate Antony Davis led the Lakers to a scorching start. They went 17-0 in the first few minutes of the game and ended the first with a score of 31-11. The fewest points allowed by any squad in any quarter this season.
The King’s Burden
The 39-year-old has been the savior for the Lakers several times this season. He scored 40 against Golden State in March and sunk the Clippers with a vintage 34-point performance. The Lakers’ reliance on Lebron has been a matter of concern. Although Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russel look to be the future of Lob City, they aren’t ready for the big leagues. The West is brimming with talent. Jokic’s Denver Nuggets are determined to win another championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder and The Minnesota Timberwolves have been consistently good. The Lakers do not possess the squad depth to challenge the best teams in the West. They’re reliant on a 39-year-old to a huge extent and without Lebron, they look toothless. This Lakers team will only go as far as Lebron takes them.
A New Generation
The 17-time champions have been running riot. They’ve won 7 of their last 8 games as the end of the season approaches. However, their reliance on their superstar is a matter of concern. Last year, they somehow found themselves in the Conference final because of the brilliance of The King. But lightning doesn’t strike twice. They must sustain this form through the last few weeks of the season and into the playoffs. They cannot depend on Lebron to clutch it out and carry the team to another Conference final like he did last year. The young guns must step up and show out.
Last Laurel?
Lebron’s almost 40 years old. His time in the NBA is drawing to an end. He cannot sustain his greatness forever. Even a king can’t beat Father Time. This is perhaps his last season at the top of his game. The Lakers must go all out. It is time for the next generation of the yellow and purple to step up and lead the way. They must be the ones to furnish King James’ career with a final flourish. They cannot leave any stone unturned if they want to bring a ring to La La Land.
