There are few ways that Los Angeles Lakers leader LeBron James could cement his case as the greatest player of all-time.
Winning another championship or two before his contract expires with the Lakers may be one way, especially if he ends up with six rings to match the nearly mythical Michael Jordan. With the 39-year-old still playing at a high level, Anthony Davis being an elite two-way player, and a couple of x-factors in the rotation, this is a possibility. It’s a remote possibility —largely due to the Lakers’ recent injury history and playoff shortcomings —but, there’s a chance.
Does Lakers’ LeBron James Have Another MVP In Him?
In the end, there’s a regular season feat that James could achieve that has largely the same effect. Already a four-time MVP, James could become the oldest MVP in NBA history by winning the award in either season. Former Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone currently holds that title, winning MVP at 35 years old in 1999. However, Malone lacked the overall athleticism and skill of the soon-to-be 40-year-old.
Though Davis figures to be more utilized under new head coach JJ Redick, James is central to the Lakers’ success. This isn’t sinecure, Redick’s effort to appease a friend and NBA legend. James’s scoring ability and decision-making demands that he has the ball in his hands. On top of that, even if Davis were to be fed more, he has the most chemistry with James.
His numbers will have to justify MVP consideration.
The king of consistency, James has averaged at least 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in each of his last 20 seasons. Though unpredictable when launching from beyond the arc, he’s made at least 47 percent of his shot attempts in each of this last 20 seasons. With that being said, history is on James’s side. Nothing is guaranteed, but if he’s healthy James’s work behind the scenes typically shows up on the box score.
Of course, the game is about more than statistics. Nonetheless, it can’t be denied that a players numbers are a significant factor in the perception of their performance.
Going All Out For His Last Hurrah
Health aside, James’s biggest obstacle will be making a consistent defensive impact. This is also going to be one of Redick’s toughest tests as well. Not only is he a first time head coach who’ll have a lot on his plate, he’ll have to be honest with someone he has a relationship with outside of basketball. This doesn’t have to be seen as James being uncoachable or Redick being timid. James may prefer messages being delivered in a way that isn’t Redick’s natural way of communicating.
Until the moment presents itself, there no way to know how either will respond to James needing prodding.
If it works out as the Lakers brass wants, James will his defense up a notch in those instances. In recent seasons, he’s been rightly criticized for loafing on defense. This is largely seen as an indication Father Time has indeed caught up to him. Nonetheless, if L.A. is serious about winning a championship or if James wants to win another MVP, he has to give it all he has before he hangs it up.
