{"id":106864,"date":"2024-11-14T05:52:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T10:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=106864"},"modified":"2024-11-14T05:52:21","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T10:52:21","slug":"lakers-still-lebron-james-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/14\/lakers-still-lebron-james-team\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lakers Are LeBron James\u2019s Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

Entering the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to make sure that everyone knew Anthony Davis<\/a> is the guy<\/em> now. LeBron James<\/a>, a larger than life superstar, is nearing his supernova stage<\/a>. Davis isn\u2019t exactly young (he\u2019ll turn 32 years old in March). However, he\u2019s in a much better position \u2014at least physically \u2014to take on the challenge of leading a team to and through the NBA Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Right?<\/p>\n

The Lakers Are LeBron James\u2019s Team<\/h2>\n

As it turns out, the Lakers may have jumped the gun. James isn\u2019t ready to relinquish the reins just yet, and it\u2019s not so much because he doesn\u2019t want to, so much as it\u2019s not realistic<\/a>. Davis\u2019s hot start helped remind people that he\u2019s an MVP-caliber player when healthy<\/a> and involved. However, there are several issues with saying that the Lakers are Davis\u2019s team now.<\/p>\n

So much so that it could even be considered lip service.<\/p>\n

Nothing New Here<\/h3>\n

Since trading for Davis in the 2019 offseason, there have been multiple instances in which his status as L.A.\u2019s top dog have been discussed.<\/p>\n

In Sep. 2021, Davis entered the season saying that his teammates were telling him<\/a> that the Lakers were his team. Perhaps they forgot what was said the year prior, but in Sep. 2022, Davis told NBA reporter Chris Haynes that James was in his ear about taking over<\/a> the team. In Dec. 2022, James told reporters that Davis was clearly the No. 1 option.<\/p>\n

\n

LeBron said it\u2019s clear AD\u2019s been the No. 1 option, and he\u2019s been flourishing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know it\u2019s our job every night to get AD going, (get him) involved. And it\u2019s AD\u2019s job to be assertive. He\u2019s been doing that, and we love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Davis continued his tear with 44 points tonight.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 3, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n