Could the 2019-20 NBA Season be LeBron’s Last Dance?
As we prepare for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season,
there are many questions, basketball related questions, that have arisen. One of
which is if this may perhaps be LeBron’s best and last real chance at an NBA Championship.
The question is not totally dependent upon LeBron’s health or declining skills
set, but several other factors that come into play as well.
there are many questions, basketball related questions, that have arisen. One of
which is if this may perhaps be LeBron’s best and last real chance at an NBA Championship.
The question is not totally dependent upon LeBron’s health or declining skills
set, but several other factors that come into play as well.
First the roster
The Lakers as currently constructed, have
a talented but flawed roster. Besides LeBron, AD is the only other player on
the roster consistently capable of taking over games in any facet. Whether that
is offensively or on the defensive end, the Lakers lack another player that is truly
a consistent threat to affect the game every night. Now there is potential on
this roster. Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso as well as some others, have the potential to improve
which would allow LeBron to continue to get the support he needs. The development
of others, along with the experience they would gain in this coming playoff
run, should greatly add to their experience. Up until this point, no one truly
knows how they will perform on the big stage this year much less being able to
predict what will happen in the future.
a talented but flawed roster. Besides LeBron, AD is the only other player on
the roster consistently capable of taking over games in any facet. Whether that
is offensively or on the defensive end, the Lakers lack another player that is truly
a consistent threat to affect the game every night. Now there is potential on
this roster. Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso as well as some others, have the potential to improve
which would allow LeBron to continue to get the support he needs. The development
of others, along with the experience they would gain in this coming playoff
run, should greatly add to their experience. Up until this point, no one truly
knows how they will perform on the big stage this year much less being able to
predict what will happen in the future.
Anthony Davis’ pending free agency
The upcoming off season
will also play a part in whether this may be LeBron’s best chance to get
another title. Anthony Davis declined to sign a 4 year $146 million dollar extension.
While logic is pointing to him being able to sign a more lucrative deal after the
season to the tune of 5 years and $202 million, which averages out to about $4.4 million more a year, one can only
wonder if he is indeed leaning towards being able to control his own destiny. The
addition of Davis, Danny Green, Dwight Howard and others, have only masked the dysfunctionality
of the front office. If prior issues resurface, will the organization be
successfully able to upgrade their roster in the future?
will also play a part in whether this may be LeBron’s best chance to get
another title. Anthony Davis declined to sign a 4 year $146 million dollar extension.
While logic is pointing to him being able to sign a more lucrative deal after the
season to the tune of 5 years and $202 million, which averages out to about $4.4 million more a year, one can only
wonder if he is indeed leaning towards being able to control his own destiny. The
addition of Davis, Danny Green, Dwight Howard and others, have only masked the dysfunctionality
of the front office. If prior issues resurface, will the organization be
successfully able to upgrade their roster in the future?
Other teams will improve as well
Over the last 10 years,
we have seen some historical moves in free agency that have shifted the competitive
balance of power in the NBA. From the big 3 “Heatles”, to KD to the Warriors,
the landscape of the league is forever changing. What we know for sure is that
the East will be even stronger next season with the expected return of Kevin Durant. If Kyrie Irving can stay healthy and KD returns to even 85% of his former
self, the Nets, who are currently a playoff team without those two, will be
formidable. Not to mention the other teams that will improve.
we have seen some historical moves in free agency that have shifted the competitive
balance of power in the NBA. From the big 3 “Heatles”, to KD to the Warriors,
the landscape of the league is forever changing. What we know for sure is that
the East will be even stronger next season with the expected return of Kevin Durant. If Kyrie Irving can stay healthy and KD returns to even 85% of his former
self, the Nets, who are currently a playoff team without those two, will be
formidable. Not to mention the other teams that will improve.
The Pelicans will
surely improve, the Warriors will have a top 5 pick possibly and will return
with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. In Houston Russell Westbrook and James Harden will have another year together to
improve and who knows what other changes are coming.
surely improve, the Warriors will have a top 5 pick possibly and will return
with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. In Houston Russell Westbrook and James Harden will have another year together to
improve and who knows what other changes are coming.
The most important element to this question however is
indeed LeBron. Based on his play this year, I personally don’t see him having a
significant drop off in the next two years. If he can stay healthy, he has a
lot left. He is by far one of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world. Period!
He is also one of the most cerebral players in history, so despite his physical
gifts, he is definitely able to sustain a high level of play by using his mind
as well as his body.
indeed LeBron. Based on his play this year, I personally don’t see him having a
significant drop off in the next two years. If he can stay healthy, he has a
lot left. He is by far one of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world. Period!
He is also one of the most cerebral players in history, so despite his physical
gifts, he is definitely able to sustain a high level of play by using his mind
as well as his body.
LeBron’s chances of getting a title with the Lakers depends
on a number of factors but based upon what we have seen over the past few years,
the playoff performances, the workout regimen, the basketball acumen, even at
this age, its been impressive. I for one wouldn’t count him out.
on a number of factors but based upon what we have seen over the past few years,
the playoff performances, the workout regimen, the basketball acumen, even at
this age, its been impressive. I for one wouldn’t count him out.
