FS1’s Ric Bucher revealed what he feels is the true motive behind LeBron James not wanting to play in front of fans. According to Bucher, James really doesn’t want to play because he feels the Lakers would be at a disadvantage. He goes so far as to say that the general public will give James a De facto NBA Championship.
This seems to be a pretty outlandish take to anyone who understands basketball. Considering the Lakers are currently the number 1 seed in the Western Conference with a 5.5 game lead over the Clippers, it doesn’t appear to be a better time than now for LeBron to capture his 4th Championship ring. Furthermore, this Lakers team is somewhat built for this type of situation as it’s littered with veteran personnel that should help make quick work of the inevitable rust all teams will face, if and when the season resumes. Not just that, but LeBron was also looking to garner his 5th MVP selection. Effectively, all signs were trending upwards for James and the Lakers.
It would stand to reason that the Lakers and more specifically LeBron himself actually stand to lose the most if the season is suspended altogether. Lebron has seemingly extended his prime to his mid-thirties but it’s fair to ask how many more times he will have this type of opportunity. Not the least of which is playing with a prime, healthy Anthony Davis.
Expect to see more not-so-hot takes in the coming weeks as boredom frequently produces varying imagination.
Flip the pages for what Ric Bucher had to say.