Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Chris Mannix

After Adapting to Lesser Role, Lakers Now Need LeBron James to Step Up Again

LeBron James Lakers Austin Reaves JJ Redick Luka Dončić Los Angeles SI NBA Thunder Giannis Antetokounmpo

Five years ago, maybe. Ten, definitely. At different times during LeBron James’s career his superlative talent could have overcome a couple of injuries. Even big ones. Remember 2015? James’s Cavaliers lost Kevin Love in the first round of the playoffs that season. Cleveland still reached the NBA Finals. Kyrie Irving went out after Game 1. James still pushed the Warriors to six. 

Now? Even for an all-time great, it’s too much.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Former Black Midi frontman cancels US tour after sexual misconduct allegations
Flyers containing the accusations were handed out at show in Vancouver, Canada
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Why Is There So Much Liquid in Packaged Chicken?
If you have ever opened a package of raw chicken and found a puddle of liquid inside, you are not alone. The amount can sometimes be surprising, especially when the chicken looks like it is sitting in water. However, that liquid does not necessarily mean the chicken is spoiled or…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
LeBron James is everything Philadelphia wants. And everything it can’t stand
The city has embraced its new superstar with open arms, even as he choppers in from Manhattan and makes no secret of the fact that Philadelphia was never his first choice
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Geordie Greep denies sexual assault allegations from stage in Vancouver
While some heard the former Black Midi frontman out, others made for the exit as he addressed accusations
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
A woman goes to pour Walmart chicken broth dated 2027, but something is clogging the spout: ‘What the heck is that?’
That’s not how broth pours.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
A man buys three limited-edition BrüMate cups at Target after two failed trips, then says a woman stopped him on the way out and demanded them back
Didn't see that coming.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play