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When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time last summer and headed west, the level of excitement among the Laker fans has been in its all-time high.
Expected to wear the same jersey number he last wore in Cleveland, the King is bringing in a lot more in terms of numbers to one of the winningest franchises in the NBA.
To name a few, here are the 10 things LeBron James brings to Los Angeles with him:
#10 Distractions
Like in every LeBron stop, distractions are definitely part and parcel of the season. From rumors of coaching change emerging in losing months to the bashing of underperforming teammates, and with Los Angeles being a bigger stage, these distractions will have their share of the limelight and could also be blown out of proportions, if the team won’t watch it.
The case of coach David Blatt will surely be thrown into the equation especially if the team struggles along the way. With LeBron James in LA, Luke Walton’s coaching is definitely not the most secure job in the world. But, of course, the best antidote to this uncertainty is for Luke to meet huge expectations. Anything less would probably shift him back to Steve Kerr’s arms or elsewhere.
#9 Frequent player movements
With Magic Johnson and the front office try to find the right combination of players that will complement LeBron in their drive to reach the top, mid-season trades, and free-agent signings are possible scenarios in this season for the Lakers. With the signing of James, who has a low tolerance for mediocrity, fans must not expect to see the same lineup as the season progresses. Anyone who will not respond to the challenge may get the boot, anytime, and different faces may come in and out more often to push the Lakers’ chances in the offseason.
Probably next to Golden State, Los Angeles has now turned into the most favorite free-agent destinations for those who want to have a shot at winning a championship ring. With the big LeBron move, for sure, the entry of such players as Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, and JaVale McGee to the Lakers will certainly not be the last.
#8 More national TV games
The LeBron James factor gave Los Angeles Lakers and more national television exposure more than any other NBA club in the 2018-19 season. In fact, more than half of the games LeBron James and the Lakers play will be on the air with 43. Surprisingly, the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors are scheduled to appear on TV just 40 times.
There’s no doubt that the Lakers are one of the most popular teams worldwide that started during the era of Magic Johnson and continued during Kobe’s time. With the addition of someone named LeBron James, millions of fans worldwide will surely be glued at their seats watching Laker games more than any other.
#7 Multiple layers of excellence
LeBron’s passion for excellence has never been more evident than in his superb performance in Cleveland last year. Although it has its pros and cons, James has continuously raised the bar when it comes to his own standards. And as evident in the way he willed a ragtag team all the way to the finals last season practically playing 48 minutes every step of the way, there seems to be no limit in what LeBron is willing to do to reach his goals. And for what LeBron can bring to the table, expectations must be at an all-time high for the Lakers starting this season.
Luke Walton will surely bolster the stock of his youngsters like Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram utilizing LeBron’s superb playmaking. His barreling drives to the basket and much improved outside shooting further boosted his ability to give his teammates open looks, something that could solidify their chances.
#6 Leadership
If there’s one aspect of LeBron’s greatness that gets less accolade, it’s his leadership skills. But make no mistake about it, his ability to lead is right there at the level of the bests of the best. And with the nucleus of his new team composed mostly of promising young guns, his leadership will be indispensable.
The unique combination of veterans and youngsters could give Lakers a lift this season, but the presence of LeBron must be enough to inspire the rest of the lineup to perform individually and collectively at a higher level.
#5 Great Expectations
One sure thing that comes with LeBron’s transfer to the Lakers is the level of expectation from the entire basketball world. And whether they could make great expectations fuel their drive to overachieve this season remains to be seen. Expect the King to take the lead and no other else.
Right off the bat, LeBron James has painted a large target on their back which all other franchises would surely aim their bigger arrows at “Beat LA” chants will surely reverberate in every NBA stadium, although, for sure, no matter how loud would just fall on LeBron’s deaf ears.
#4 New era of “Showtime”
As mentioned, great things are expected from the Lakers this season and one of them is the new version of “Showtime”. They may not be running the floor more often than their counterparts in the 80’s but this new era of Laker basketball will surely have its own version of flair with James as its centerpiece.
If they could follow Walton’s beat and move with unity and synchronization, LeBron and the Lakers might even upstage their early predecessors and turn this version of “Showtime” into an upgrade.
#3 Conference finals appearances
Coming off five consecutive losing seasons, with the arrival of King James the Lakers are now guaranteed of a playoff appearance as a minimum. Gone are the days of languishing at the cellar, and with LeBron, the Lakers will surely be getting 50 wins on a bad year.
It’s more probable this season for the Lakers to be in the conference finals than for LeBron to book a ninth straight finals appearance. So whether or not the Lakers could go past the Houston Rockets to be the dance partner of the Warriors will be the realistic scenario for the Lakers this season. It’s not sure an insignificant feat for any team not named Golden State Warriors to be able to achieve it this year, so if LeBron will be able to bring the Lakers to a conference finals appearance this early, sky is the limit for the Lakers next season.
#2 MVP performances
As great as LeBron is, some quarters have claimed that James should have won more MVPs than the ones he has in his trophy room. With the Lakers, he may win one or two Most Valuable Player awards in his four-year tenure. Or he may not win one at all especially if he chooses to give his teammates bigger workloads for the benefit of the team. But one thing is for sure. James is bound to give Los Angeles MVP performance every single year.
#1 A 17th Larry O’Brien trophy
It may not be an immediate goal for the Lakers this year and the next, but just like in any other franchise he went to, it’s still the same championship or bust mentality for LeBron James. Having a timeline of four years to tie the Boston Celtics, or even get ahead of them, it will not be surprising if the Lakers with LeBron in tow will hang a championship banner up the Staples Center earlier than planned.
It would take a king-sized upset for a team to pull the rug from under the Warriors this season, but, if there’s one who could do the unthinkable, it’s the King himself.
Guess the Lakers players!
