Lakers facing familiar LeBron James dilemma, need an Austin Reaves lifeline against Thunder
The Lakers are going to need other guys to step up in the series against the Thunder. If LeBron James has to continue being the highest scorer, it isn't a good sign.
Lakers facing familiar LeBron James dilemma, need an Austin Reaves lifeline against Thunder originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Lakers have their hands full as they attempt to win four games against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder .
The Lakers are in the Western Conference Semifinals, exactly where LeBron James hoped the team would be entering the season. During the offseason, James made it clear that competing for a championship remained his top priority. “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN.
“He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
” James likely did not envision this playoff run unfolding the way it has, especially with Luka Doncic sidelined and Austin Reaves only recently returning from injury. If the Lakers are going to have any chance of winning this series, they will need more offensive production from players other than James. “The Lakers' dilemma surrounding LeBron James is exactly that -- the players surrounding LeBron, not James himself.