One former teammate of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James thinks that playing in the Wester Conference will have more benefits than disadvantages to the star. James has played all 15 seasons of his NBA career in the Eastern Conference. Dahntay Jones played alongside James in Cleveland during their 2016 and 2017 playoff runs. While he's now retired, Jones has played seven seasons in the West. According to him, the weather plays a big role.
“I’m not one that thinks being in the West is such a disadvantage,” Jones told reporters.“The West is actually easier on your mind-set and your body, your morale. It’s warm. Practicing every day in L.A., it just puts you in a better mood. I think that’s going to make a big difference for him.”
The Western Conference has been considerable more competitive than its counterpart in the East in recent years. There has been chatter about moving to a conference-less basketball to fix this disparity, but that option might not be realistic for a while.
The Lakers finished 11th in the West last year, three spots out of the playoff picture. Skeptics question if if the addition of James will be enough to make them a threat. James has had basically three primes in his NBA career. If improved weather conditions are as influential as Jones says, he may be gearing up for a fourth as a 33-year-old.
Los Angeles weather should definitely be a pleasant change for LeBron James, who spent his last four seasons in Cleveland after vacating Miami. Perhaps the California sun can energize his new team enough to bring a championship to Hollywood.
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