Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been an idol to many for over 18 years. In an interview on “All The Smoke” Podcast, Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss expressed that James is the closest thing to a superhero. As Buss went through her timeline as a part of the Lakers' organization, she showed her appreciation to James for transitioning her team into a legitimate title contender.

Buss explained her reasons why James has been a major factor for the Lakers. Amidst losing seasons and front-office issues, James has found a way to steer the team to a title in 2020. After the Lakers missed the playoffs in 2019, the team made a trade for Anthony Davis later in offseason. A year later, Los Angeles would win its first championship in 10 seasons, led by James and Davis.

James showed his commitment to Los Angeles by signing a two-year, $85 million extension. In his 18th season in the NBA, James has continued to play at a high level by averaging 25.4 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists. Unfortunately, due to an ankle injury suffered against Atlanta in March, James has been sidelined for the past 18 games for Los Angeles. There has been a timetable for his return within the next week.

The Lakers currently sit at the fifth spot in the Western Conference. Anthony Davis has recently returned to the lineup after a two-month absence due to a lower leg injury. Following back-to-back losses to the Dallas Mavericks, the team looks to bounce back in Monday night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic.