While reports have indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers would be open to bringing back their 41-year-old star forward for another season, not everyone is on board with the offseason idea.
According to former Lakers guard Byron Scott, the Lakers should feel inclined to officially begin the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles by moving on from their four-time MVP.
“I just thought it was laughable coming from one of the greatest players to ever play the game to say it’s harder to play now than it was then,” Scott said Friday. “I’m a fan, but I don’t mince words either. I think this should be his last year here. You don’t got to go home but you got the (expletive) up out of here.”
It’s unlikely Scott is the only Lakers supporter who feels that way about James at this stage of his career. Although James led the Lakers to their 17th title in franchise history in 2020 and has had plenty of memorable moments in a Los Angeles uniform, it appears that Scott’s suggestion is the best-case scenario for the Lakers this summer.
James could retire from the NBA after an incredible two-decade career or join another contending organization. At the same time, the Lakers could allow Doncic to run the show in Los Angeles on a full-time basis.
James, who’s averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game this season, isn’t the two-way phenomenon he used to be, which isn’t ideal for a Lakers franchise hoping to win another championship.
Simply put, Scott’s take isn’t off-base by any way, shape, or form.
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