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This coming summer is a must for the Los Angeles Lakers.
After a season that can be summed up on almost every front as an abject disaster, the Lakers face a dead season that will likely or break the LeBron James era in LA and determine the fate of the icon of the Magic Johnson franchise as a team leader.
Catch at least one of the whales in the summer or suffer the consequences.
<p class = "canvas-canvas-text-canvas Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "This is not a secret. A lottery-related season remarkable for large-scale failure (Anthony Davis), internal disturbances (Anthony Davis fell back) and external noise (Big Baller Brand), there is no other choice for the powerful Lakers than to do it right this summer. "data-reactid =" 19 "> It's not a secret To get out of a season in the lottery marked by a resounding failure (Anthony Davis), internal turmoil (fallout from Anthony Davis) and outside noise (Big Baller Brand), the powerful Lakers have no choice but to do it right this summer.
LeBron: "I want to compete now"
But just in case it was not 100% transparent, James said it all in an interview with Bleacher Report.
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "" This is a critical summer for me- even, "& nbsp;James told Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. "Obviously, the franchise will live forever, but for me personally, it's very important because I want to be competitive and I want to be competitive now." "Data-reactid =" 22 ">" It's a critical summer for me, "James said Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. Obviously, the franchise will live forever. But for me personally, it's very important because I want to be competitive and I want to be competitive now. "
LeBron James knows that his presence in the Lakers uniform will have an impact on his legacy and reminds Magic Johnson of the stakes this summer. (AP)
Yes, LeBron's LeBron Relay will have an impact on his legacy
James knows the score, of course. Even if he has succeeded and has rightly made a point of entering the basketball tradition, a career crowned with chess with the Lakers would be a blemish for his legacy.
The history of the Lakers is littered with individual grandeur that has resulted in championships.
From Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and James Worthy, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol, the Hall of Fame played for the Lakers. And they won titles.
If the Lakers can not even snort the quarrel with James still in his early youth, where will he end up in the Lakers tradition?
Not anywhere near these names is where.
A lot of work to do to L.A.
And the Lakers as they are currently built can not even compete for a place in the playoffs, let alone think about the finals of the NBA.
The window of this experience is narrow. James will be 35 years old at the beginning of next season. There's no time to lose.
The decline of James's game has been an exaggerated narrative during this disastrous season. His averages of 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists remain staggering and are actually ticking above his career figures.
It's not Michael Jordan in Washington Wizards uniform.
But concerns about James's sustainability at his age are valid. His 17 consecutive inactive groin this season are not the norm for his career. James' durability is one of the best of his many remarkable traits.
So here is. James, like everyone who pays attention, knows that the time has come.
LeBron calls Magic, Pelinka
"It's so very important to me and my future," James told Bleacher Report. "And I'm positive and very optimistic that Magic, Rob and the franchise will be great."
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka can not afford to repeat if this season's trade deadline is tight. (AP)
Note that this is the third time James has chosen to use the word "critical" when talking to Beck. Also note how he called Johnson and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka by name.
The Lakers front-office was fearful of being unable to protect Anthony Davis by the trading deadline, a misstep that helped catalyze the team's defeat, which was trying to get the contenders into the playoffs for the tankers. Lottery.
Free Bonanza coming soon
This summer, there will be opportunities to compensate for this miscalculation. Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler are among the many decision makers available to enter the open market.
And, conceivably, the Lakers can hope for another blow for an agreement with Davis. Despite the animosity that reigns on both sides of the season's discussions, it's probably best that Lakers fans do not hold their breath on this front.
The minimum required will be that Johnson and Pelinka land one of these big names. Two is ideal because the Lakers are facing immense pressure to make the most of the LeBron era in California.
This is not a sure thing. Many of these names are related to rumors elsewhere, including the two largest fish, Durant and Leonard.
James is also guilty. A major influence on the building of his successes with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, James highlights his reputation as a talent attraction.
Magic commitment
<p class = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Last summer, Johnson & nbsp;promised to land several superstars& nbsp; during two holidays or resignation. Shortly after this statement, the Lakers signed James. "Data-reactid =" 91 "> Last summer, Johnson promised to land several superstars during two offseasons or to resign.Later after this statement, the Lakers signed James.
Soon it will be time for Johnson to respect the rest of this promise. As the summer approaches, James prepares some not-so-subtle reminders of what needs to be done.
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