The Los Angeles Lakers are currently watching two timelines clash, as LeBron James and Luka Dončić are at very different points in their careers. Dončić represents the future, while James symbolizes the past. If not managed carefully, this dynamic could lead to an ugly breakup. Even at the tail end of his career, James remains focused on one goal: winning at least one more championship.
“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 has had a storied career—one that places him in the “greatest of all time” conversation alongside legends like Michael Jordan. Warriors forward Draymond Green recently explained why he believes LeBron deserves that GOAT title.
“MJ wasn’t winning with Matthew Dellavedova,” Green said, making his case for LeBron as the greatest.
While that’s one perspective, former NBA star Tracy McGrady offered a different angle—one centered around offensive systems. He believes that if LeBron had been introduced to the triangle offense earlier in his career, the GOAT debate might not even exist.
“If Bron got introduced to the triangle at an early age, Bron would have expanded his game tremendously… He’s not as fast or uber athletic like he once was,” McGrady said on Gil’s Arena. “But if we take Bron who he is now, with the athleticism, speed, and everything, agility, and put him in that triangle, learning that, I don’t think there’s any question who the greatest player would be.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
It’s an intriguing take—one that might have changed the course of LeBron’s legacy. While there’s still no definitive answer to the GOAT question, McGrady believes it wouldn’t have even been close if those conditions had been met.
The debate over who’s the greatest will likely never end or be definitively settled. Still, it’s fascinating to hear the different takes from respected voices in the game. LeBron James, even at over 40 years of age, remains one of the best in the league. Time may be running out, but there’s no question: he’ll go down as one of the greatest to ever play.
