No Co-Stars, Just a Crown: LeBron’s Chase for One More.
Written: Kekoa O’Neil
Contributor | Sideline Society Media
As the regular season comes to an end and we begin to inch closer to the playoffs, in a loaded Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers recent play has put the league on notice. Now 13-2 in their last 15 games, they are firing on all cylinders at the perfect time. Prior to this recent stretch, they have not had many games with their big 3 in Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Now that they are all on the floor together they have shown not only can they make it work, but they can do so at an elite level offensively. In his past 11 games Luka Doncic has been averaging an astonishing 40 ppg and the Lakers have gone 10-1 in these 11 games.
Coming down the final stretch of the season there is no better time to be clicking on all cylinders as a team. The recent play of the Lakers has now gotten the notice of many and Luka has risen in the MVP ranks as of late now firmly being in the top 3 amongst Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Victor Wembanyama. Luka currently leads the league in scoring at 33.6 ppg as well as being 3rd in assists at 8.3 per game and 2nd overall in 3 pointers made per game at 4.0.
Luka has dealt with some off the court issues as of late with his now ex wife and not only has that elevated his play but it’s taken it to a whole new level. This goes to show both the mental strength and fortitude he displays whenever he is on the basketball court. Many times off the court issues can impact players negatively but it has shown not to have any impact on him at all. Currently sitting at 3rd place in the Western Conference with 8 games remaining the Lakers have established themselves as a team that will avoid the play-in as they look to remain in the 3rd spot to have home court advantage in the first round.
Matchups are the most important thing when it comes to playoffs and with only 3.5 games separating the Lakers and the 6th place Houston Rockets, it is still undetermined who the Lakers may see in round 1. Regardless of the opponent, many believe with their recent play that the Lakers are primed for a deep playoff run. For the entirety of Lebron James' career he is at the minimum expected to make it past the first round of the playoffs before the season even begins.
This coupled with the rising play of what many consider a top 5 player in the league in Luka Doncic, along with the emergence of Austin Reaves as both a scorer and a playmaker leave many Laker fans hopeful for not only a deep playoff run but a potential NBA championship.
Not that a reminder was needed but Luka is showing just how special he can be when the basketball is in his hands.
The recent on the court play by the Lakers shows that they are primed to make a run for banner 18.
