Lakers remain LeBron James' 'best chance' for another championship
LeBron James is still capable of winning another championship. Even at 39 years old, he is among the 10 best players in the NBA. He has already won a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, James wants to continue building his legacy. A fifth championship would likely be viewed as his crowning achievement, especially considering his age.
According to former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, James' best chance of success is with the Lakers. The former Boston Celtics big man doesn't believe the Lakers superstar needs to leave Los Angeles in order to add to his legacy.
"Staying in L.A. is his best chance at winning a title. We've got three of four more years of this Anthony Davis that we have been seeing this year. The Lakers are eye candy. LeBron is eye candy. Anthony Davis is eye candy," Perkins said. "This offseason, there's going to be a move that's going to happen. And then, all of a sudden, you start to fill in the gaps...It's perfect for him. We're talking about the most historical franchise is sports history. Well, one of them."
James has a player option on his contract for next season. He will likely make a decision on whether he remains with the Lakers after the current campaign draws to a close. The Lakers made it to the Western Conference Finals last season. This summer, they believed they had further improved their roster. They have also added veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie following his buy-out from the Toronto Raptors earlier this month.
As such, the Purple and Gold have all the talent needed to be a contending team. They will likely need to overcome at least one of the L.A. Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns in order to progress to the NBA Finals. The Western Conference is deep and littered with contending-level teams.
Nevertheless, James is still playing at an elite level and a threat once the playoffs begin. If he doesn't win a championship this season, he will likely give it another shot next year. His time in the league is running out, though. The Lakers will need to prove Perkins right. They need to prove LeBron can still win with the current team. If the organization can do that, it's unlikely we'll see James switch teams. After all, Los Angeles has a lot to offer outside of basketball and his family is reportedly settled.
Regardless of whether he wins a fifth championship, James is arguably the greatest player in NBA history. Whatever happens in the coming months and years won't change that fact. Still, that fact won't stop him from chasing glory. It's what he does. It's why he's one of the greats. And it's how we will always remember his tenure in the league. LeBron is a winner.
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