LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

The majority of Laker fans don't want him because they've spent a long time hating him. I understand that. I don't like him either.

But five years past his prime? Empty stats? That is pure hate with no attempt at objectivity.

 

That's just one season! It would be a pretty shocking development if he collapsed in one year. I think he's got a solid two years left at his current level with a slight decline and a bit more drop off the next two. I could absolutely still see him playing after that but at a lower level, something like Jordan with the Wizards.

And trust me I get it. If we don't sign LeBron and we only leave with George, I'll be more than happy with that. It'll be the best FA signing we've had since Shaq. But If i can skip ahead and compete today, I want to compete today. These young guys are exciting and there's something great building, but we have to keep the perspective in place that we're excited over a team that just won 30 games. That's not a disservice to them, it's just reality that it'll take long time and we aren't sure to compete at the highest levels even in a few years. I'd rather we go for it if we can.

 

The non objective part is 5 years past his prime which stats and success show he isn't. Also dismissing his numbers so thoroughly when we'd be through the roof with those numbers from anyone.

The way I view it: he's a tool the Lakers can use to find success, emphasis on tool. And now that the Lakers can get him (if they try hard enough) without losing Randle, I'm fully on board. Also mostly because I still believe George coming without him is 50/50, but 100% if LeBron comes too.

I'll enjoy the kids in a long buildup, but if we can take a shortcut and keep the major pieces, I want that instead.

 

I think his defense has regressed, but much like George I think he's also in "don't get hurt before FA" mode. Basically this:


And I believe George will have a hard time leaving an MVP candidate to come lead this group of youngsters. We have a lot to offer, but Westbrook is Westbrook. George has said he wants a player he can work off of and h3 has said he'll only consider us if it's an avalanche of players coming here. I fully believe that was a tongue in cheek comment made knowing the Lakers plan is to get both of LeBron and George. Now the key is doing it while keeping the key pieces. If he signs by himself and we just bring back Lopez or something with Julius, I'll still be happy. But why stop at a triple if we can hit a home run?

 

I don't like Lebron. I take him, but not willingly. But one thing I do have reservations about was what Ramona Shelburne briefly intimated to in her recent column. If we get Lebron, we get Lebron's world: his rules, his inner circle, his play style, his everything. This team is starting to build towards something, but that something isn't what Lebron does or has ever done in his career. Are we going to have to take this young talent that is thriving in the new style of the NBA and change it back to Lebron dominates the ball and looks for cutters and dudes chilling behind the arc? We like to think that in theory Ball can facilitate and Lebron will just be happy to fill in the lanes. But c'mon. That ain't happening. It's a definite concern. PG13 this season followed by Leonard is a much better scenario. Both of those guys are better suited to play in the offense and style that we are creating here.

 

Actually there's literally no better fit for this offense than LeBron, especially when you watch a game like last night where Lonzo was so off. LeBron would bring consistency into that starting lineup and you are looking at someone who is highly efficient, can hit from outside, and can pass the ball better than anyone else that size. Not to mention he can grab the ball and push in transition second maybe only to Julius at that size. The only person who I'd take over LeBron at this point for us is probably Durant because Durant is more likely to make it through all four years at his current level. But that's not possible, so give me LeBron.

Paul George fits absolutely stunningly into KCP's role though. KCP has been so serviceable for us lately, but imagine a more explosive, better defensive version of that guy. It's incredible.

Also, I find it highly doubtful that Kawhi is a real possibility anyway. There was some smoke before, but not enough that I'm willing to bet on that being a possibility. If it comes to the point where he's actually available, we can cross that bridge, but I'm not going to give up an opportunity today for the hope of one tomorrow.

 

There were times where LeBron was absolutely dominating that game. Without trying he was doing things we haven't seen from any of our players.

And that's just something we aren't going to agree on. It's partly why I've been so down on the Dodgers. You have all the opportunity in the world, you take the swing and let the chips fall. If we have an opportunity to transform into a contender over night, I'm taking that opportunity. I want another title. F*** everything else. It's great to see a season like this that's so hopeful for a change, so let's capitalize on that hope and get back to what the Lakers do. Instead of celebrating 30 wins this year and 40 next year, let's get 50 next year and see the Warriors in the Conference Finals.