Can Lebron and the Lakers Bring It Home This Year?

The Los Angeles Lakers finished seventh in the league last season, being eliminated in the Western Conference Finals. Lebron James –arguably the best basketball player of all time– led the team in points, both in the regular season and the playoffs paired with Anthony Davis, who in the playoffs led the team in rebounds, steals and blocks. The Lakers faced a rough start to the season given their 2-10 record in the first 12 games. This team was thought to go nowhere last season, partially due to the performance of Russell Westbrook who signed to the organization in 2021. In spite of everything, they had a turnaround during and after the trade deadline earlier this year. General manager of the Lakers –Rob Pelinka– signed some big names as well as role players, who aided Lebron and AD and fit the system well, respectively. Some of these names include D’angelo Russel and Jarred Vanderbilt, who they acquired in a three team deal which included Russell Westbrook. Pelinka also traded for forward Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards for Kendrick Nunn and some picks. The Lakers were deemed to have won the NBA Trade Deadline. In addition, with young guard Austin Reaves emerging as a strong piece to their game, the Los Angeles Lakers team was starting to be considered for title contention on account of a 17-9 record after the deadline. As it happens, they had the second best Western Conference record after the deadline. 

As the season was coming to a close, they were 7th seed in the Western Conference trying to escape the play-in tournament. 

“Going into the final day, the Lakers could finish as high as fifth or as low as ninth,” (Associated Press, 2023).

Despite winning their last game of the season against the Utah Jazz, they needed the Golden State Warriors –the defending champions– to lose given they shared the same record; as well as two other Western Conference teams. 

“One more win, anywhere in the season, would’ve meant the Lakers were the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Maybe with a whistle in Boston, a made free throw in Philadelphia, better rotations against Indiana or Dallas — any of it, and the Lakers wouldn’t have been in this position,” (Woike, 2023). 

After finding themselves in the play-in tournament,, the Lakers faced the 10th seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being down 11 at the start of the second half, the Lebron led squad scored 35 points in the third and held the Timberwolves to just 18, which propelled a 35 point 4th quarter along with the win for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

In the first round of the playoffs, they faced the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers won Game 1 in Memphis against the second-seeded Grizzlies, then won all three games at home to take the series. The Lakers pulled away early in Game 6 by taking a 15 point lead in the first quarter and holding on for the remainder of the first half. James and Davis sat out in the fourth. Lakers advance.

The Golden State Warriors met the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals. After a competitive first 5 games, LeBron James and Anthony Davis led a complete team effort to blowout Golden State by 21 points in Game 6 and advance Los Angeles to the Western Conference Finals. 

Lastly, the Los Angeles team faced the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. In game 1, star center Nikola set the tone of the series. With 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists, Jokic notched his sixth triple-double in the playoffs, getting the Nuggets a 1-0 series lead. The Nuggets cleaned up the rest of the series, sweeping the Lakers and advancing to the finals.

After an unfortunate loss in the Western Conference Finals for the Lakers, Lebron said in his final post game interview, ‘I have a lot to think about.’ and expresses that it wasn’t necessarily a successful year because at this point in his career he plays for championships, in spite of becoming the NBA all time leading scorer earlier in the year.

In the offseason, Rob Pelinka also made some big moves to further strengthen the supporting cast to what would be Lebron’s 21st season in the league. After losing integral role player Dennis Schröder to the Raptors, the Lakers were able to re-sign D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. While also acquiring new pieces such as Christian Wood from the Dallas Mavericks and Gabe Vincent, who played an essential role in Miami Heat’s finals run. 

LeBron James was honored for breaking the NBA's all-time scoring record at the ESPYs where he addressed rumors of retirement from the sport during his victory speech. 

“I don’t care how many more points, or what I can or cannot do on the floor. The real question for me is, ‘can I play without cheating this game?’ The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done,” James said. “Lucky for you guys, that day is not today” he said, (2023, Rasmussen)

Ultimately, Lebron decided not to retire because he believes he still has a lot left in the tank. On media day he shared more on his decision to continue playing: He mentions exhaustion, that his mind was in too many places as the reason for his previous comment that made the public believe he indeed was considering retirement and affirms he’s glad to be back. 

With a new and improved roster, there is no reason the Lakers shouldn't go far in the playoffs if James can continue to be a top caliber player and Davis stays healthy. The team's supporting cast is arguably more talented than last year’s, who was able to make it to the Western Conference Finals. Now is the chance for LeBron to win his fifth ring. #LakersWin.