LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have not lived up to the fans' expectations early into the season. They were dubbed as the superteam to rival the Brooklyn Nets. However, a slew of injuries and overall inconsistent play have the supposedly mighty Lakers at a mediocre 8 – 8 record to start the season.
While some may say it's too early to judge the returns on this Lakers roster, a former rival of the franchise thinks he's seen enough of this team. Paul Pierce, a member of the Boston Celtics lineups that battled the Lakers in the 2010s, dropped his thoughts on LeBron and co in a recent interview. (via What Did I Miss?)
‘They look bad right now. I don't know if they can stay healthy… I don't think they have a chance. The way they playing without LeBron at his age. LeBron can't play 40 minutes like he can and get them through the regular season. If you're asking him to continue to do that and get to the playoffs and carry them, I do not know if that's possible all the way through. This team as constructed cannot win a championship.”
There's some truth to Pierce's comments: the Lakers relying on LeBron James at this rate is unsustainable. They acquired Russell Westbrook in the off-season to help ease the load off of LeBron. However, the Lakers' 4 – 6 record without their superstar (who's set to return today) does not bode well for them. Everyone in the team needs to step up their game.
However, to write off the Lakers and LeBron this early into the season is a bold and reckless move. It will take some time for Frank Vogel to figure out the optimal lineups for this roster. LeBron, AD, and Westbrook haven't played significant time together. Perhaps let's wait until the mid-way point of the season before passing judgment on this Lakers lineup.
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