The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak and sit 1-3 overall since returning from the All-Star break, playing some of the worst basketball of the season. At 34-24, they're clinging to the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
This struggle has sparked plenty of conversation about what the Lakers might need to change this offseason to build around Luka Doncic and contend for championships.
According to Lakers legend and three-time NBA champion Byron Scott, it starts with moving on from LeBron James.
James is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason, and Scott believes the Lakers would be best served by letting the 41-year-old superstar walk.
"Yeah," Scott said without hesitation when asked if he's ready to see James leave the Lakers. "You know I'm a fan, but I don't mince words. I think this should be his last year here… You don't gotta go home, but you gotta get the [expletive] out of here."
Scott's comments were met with backlash from fans who felt he had crossed a line.
"His opinion matters?" one fan wrote.
Another added, "Byron Scott really said ‘get the hell out' to the guy who brought the Lakers their first ring in 10 years and is still dropping 25+ at 41. Ungrateful franchise. King earned his flowers, not an eviction notice."
A different fan chimed in, "I'm sorry, but who the [expletive] is he to tell LeBron this?"
"I lowkey hate retired Lakers players. They're all just haters, man. Never seen former players not support current players on their team to this degree ever," another fan commented.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 when the team was in a rough spot and was the key reason for their resurgence, culminating in an NBA championship in 2020.
However, his playing style alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, combined with too many defensive liabilities on the court at once, has made the Lakers one of the more inconsistent teams in the league. A departure this summer - not just for L.A., but also for James - could be the best scenario for all involved.
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