Many NBA fans believed that the Los Angeles Lakers lost their dominance in the league when Kobe Bryant retired in 2016. However, the Lakers sought to regain their status by signing LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers. James not only accepted the challenge but also delivered an NBA championship to the Lakers, honoring the trust the franchise placed in him.
Recently, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne revealed significant insights into LeBron’s decision to join the Lakers. She revealed that LeBron’s choice was influenced not only by the Lakers’ history and reputation but also by the respect they extended to their legendary players like Bryant.
“PART OF THE reason James came to the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 is the standard of care they showed during the final seasons of Bryant’s career a decade ago, sources said. James liked playing for an iconic franchise as much as he liked how it treated its iconic players,” the report read.
Stephen A. Smith Calls Out LeBron James Over “No Expectations” Comments for Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers last won an NBA championship in 2020, and fans are eager for another title this season. However, controversy arose when LeBron James recently stated he had “no expectations” for the team.
James’ words sparked frustration among analysts, particularly Stephen A. Smith. On “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith expressed his displeasure with James’ comments, reminding him of the weight of playing for such a prestigious franchise.
“Now miss me with that; I ain’t trying to hear that. You’re a Lakers. The Lakers always have expectations. Now you don’t have to be specific with it, but you can’t sit up there and say no expectations… You’re a Laker, not a Clipper,” Smith said.
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The Lakers kicked off their season against the Minnesota Timberwolves today. Nevertheless, they struggled in the game, losing 107-124. Though JJ Redick declared James’ name in the starting five, he didn’t participate in their preseason opening game.
Also Read: LeBron James Retirement: Will Los Angeles Lakers Superstar’s 22nd Season Be His Last?
