The Los Angeles Lakers got a formidable duo in Luka Doncic and Lebron James as they enter the new season. They also beefed up their frontcourt by acquiring DeAndre Ayton, the type of big man critics think they lacked last season.
Do they have a legit shot this season? Firebrand analyst Stephen A. Smith does not think so. In fact, he believes the Purple and Gold do not have a chance against a team who are supposedly rebuilding.
For that, he is urging James to move to the East and reunite with his former franchise because it has two players who can help him win his fifth title.
“I think that LeBron James has a better shot at winning a championship if he were back in Cleveland with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and those boys, than if he stayed in LA.”
“I can’t see him win no championship in LA, not over Oklahoma City or healthy Dallas,” said Smith who has a bitter history with Lebron following their confrontation on the court.
“But if he were in Cleveland with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and those boys, I think that would give LeBron a better shot at tying Kobe for five rings.”
Chances of Lebron James going to Cavs
Cleveland, James’ hometown, is a strong contender this season. This is the first time since the Lebron-era that they are at the top of championship betting odds. LBJ moving back to the team that drafted him is being pushed by many people as the best way to end his career.
One executive, in a report by Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report, thinks Cavs are a likely destination for him in case he wants to have a farewell tour. He can do that while also having the chance to win a title because of the team’s young and capable core.
“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe [Bryant] did, it’s the only other team that makes sense,” one league executive told Weitzman.
“LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards.”
Lebron hasn’t said anything about his retirement. He will turn 41 by December but he still among the best players in the league, being ranked no. 8 by sports publication ESPN.
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