The Los Angeles Lakers know that there are a lot of people who are doubtful about their chances of winning a title before LeBron James retires.
Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss is well aware of this, telling Chuck Schilken of the Los Angeles Times that her team has to “let the work speak for itself.”
“Really, you gotta play basketball and win games. I know the criticism out there. I know social media is rough waters for everybody. There’s always controversy being stirred up on social media. That’s why it doesn’t really serve me to hype everything up.
It’s just, you gotta do the work. And that’s how our organization operates. We do the work. We worry about what we can control and let the work speak for itself.”
Lakers’ Jeanie Buss Lays Out Her Expectations
In the past two seasons, the Lakers have fought tooth and nail to make the playoffs, only to be eliminated by the Denver Nuggets. With former head coach Darvin Ham unable to get L.A. out of their fugue, Buss and second-in-command Rob Pelinka turned to another former NBA guard — JJ Redick. Considered to be a bright basketball mind with a maniacal work ethic, Los Angeles hopes that he can be the next Pat Riley.
Coaching, primarily the Lakers’ rotations and in-game adjustments, was an issue. However, James’s advanced age has been a cause for concern as well. The 20-time All-Star is still strong, athletic, intelligent, and skilled. Despite turning 39 years old in 2023-24, he had his 20th straight season averaging at least 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game.
However, it was his first time missing fewer than 15 games since 2019-20. Hamstrung by ankle and hamstring injuries, Father Time has indeed caught up to him. That’s even evident in his play style, as he’s less explosive than in his prime years. He’s still hard to stop with a head of steam, but his first step is lacking. Though a constant threat in the halfcourt, he’s now more of a bully than a player who’ll blow by his opponents.
Just a month before activity begins ramping up for the Lakers, Buss laid out her expectations for James:
“He consistently delivers. He puts in the work. He’s not only a worldwide brand, but he is our leader. He’s the captain of our team and he sets the tone, sets the pace by putting in the hard work. Nobody can complain about the work if you see somebody with his résumé and his longevity of career, nobody can complain about having to practice if he’s willing to do it. And he does. He just amazes me. I don’t know what else to say.”
As Buss notes, James is the team’s tone-setter, on and off the court. He’s not the Lakers’ only weapon or leader, nor should he be. Nonetheless, his sustained dominance is a testament to his commitment to winning.
That’s to L.A.’s benefit. If they’re going to hoist another championship banner, James has to continue playing at a high level. There’s really no way around it.
