Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
LeBron James has left the Lakers, but his legacy will remain for years.
He spent eight seasons with the Lakers and took them from a team struggling to find an identity and brought them back to the top in 2020, when they won a title.
As a Laker, besides the championship, LeBron also had eight All-Star appearances, made an All-NBA Team seven times, broke the all-time scoring record, and helped the transition from his era to Luka Dončić’s be a smooth one.
So, now that LeBron’s Lakers journey has come to a close, we ask in our SB Nation Reacts survey this week: what are your thoughts on his era in Los Angeles?
NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has a saying that goes, “When you win, it means never having to say sorry.” If you believe in that, then LeBron’s time in Los Angeles was a smashing success.
With LeBron on the Lakers, they raised a banner, reached the Western Conference Finals twice and won 50-plus games on three separate occasions.
Given that this era is known for its parity and that during LeBron’s tenure as a Laker, we had eight different champions, if he failed, then so did every single player in the league.
Also, LeBron’s stats as a Laker were great. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in Los Angeles. With the Heat, he averaged fewer rebounds and assists and just one more point per game.
However, if you drink from the pool of Lakers exceptionalism, then maybe you wanted more from LeBron. Forget the context, Kobe Bryant won five titles, Magic Johnson got six and Shaquille O’Neal earned three in a purple and gold uniform.
James winning one championship just doesn’t compare to other Lakers greats. His time in LA will be known for the moments they fell short more than the 2020 ring.
In the end, LeBron is an elite player, but it’s disappointing to only win once, especially since this was also his longest single stint anywhere.
Had he won another title with Anthony Davis or stayed and tried to raise a banner with Luka Dončić, then he would’ve had a successful run in the City of Angels.
Okay, those are the cases for LeBron’s tenure in LA being considered either a success or a failure. Now, it’s time to vote on the poll and make your voice heard. Also, feel free to comment below and provide additional context for why you voted the way you did.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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