LeBron James has been chaining cards lately, which seems necessary to clinch a place in the playoffs. But for Skip Bayless, the King’s attitude would not be heroic, but egocentric. His point of view is likely to make people talk.
LeBron James is a mutant… While he was supposed to begin his decline and rely on Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, both younger, the King still finds himself carrying a franchise full of dysfunctions, even if he no longer has the same efficiency as before. Indeed, the Lakers are on the verge of not playing the playoffs.
If the results are not there, the n°6 continues to give himself body and soul every evening, as during the match against the Pelicans. Seriously injured in the ankle, he gritted his teeth, stayed on the field, and planted 39 points, even if it was not enough to clinch the victory. Until the end, he will do everything in his power to raise the bar, even if he is more and more pessimistic.
LeBron James accused of playing to save his career
But not all observers see LeBron James’ behavior as heroic. Skip Bayless, always very critical of the King, explained why his performances were more of an egocentric delirium than the desire to shine collectively. He even went so far as to compare it to Russell Westbrook following the departure of Kevin Durant.
I think LeBron realizes that missing the playoffs would be a huge task in his career. Going from favorite for the title to missing the play-in would be a huge joke. I think during All-Star Weekend he realized that he no longer had the shoulders to carry the Lakers, even with all the players he brought in. The only strategy he has found to counter that is to win the title of leading scorer in the league.
He has become the most personal player in the entire NBA, he is like the Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City when Kevin Durant left. He’s averaging over 30 points, he’s ahead of Giannis and Joel Embiid, and he’s the league’s most shot-taking player this season. Two years ago he finished best passer, and now he’s attacking the points.
For Skip Bayless, if LeBron scores so many points, it is not to try to carry his Lakers to victory, as he has been able to do so often in the past. For the star journalist of FS1, the King would simply seek to win the title of best scorer, at 37, to make everyone forget that the Lakers are plunged into a rather surprising slump. Both points of view are plausible, everyone will have their own opinion.
LeBron James is breaking records in turning 30 points on average despite his 37 years, and yet not everyone is convinced by his talent. For Skip Bayless, the King would simply be looking for an excuse in the event of non-qualification.
