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LeBron James is all smiles as he shows off his gold medal after the U.S. defeated France for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)
He carried this country to gold.
But he might not be able to carry the Lakers into the playoffs?
He was the leader of the team that beat the best in the world.
But he might not be able to lead the Lakers past the Memphis Grizzlies?
The dilemma facing LeBron James and the team that can’t possibly bring him a championship became starkly clear this summer when one of James’ shining career moments only caused Los Angeles to sigh.
What greatness. What a waste.
Read more: Lakers newsletter: Changes made by JJ Redick are already evident
What a gift. What a squander.
The rest of the world marveled as the 39-year-old James led Team USA to a fifth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Meanwhile, his city only winced and wondered, why can’t he be doing this for us?
The rest of the world had rarely seen anything like it, James winning Olympics MVP honors by unleashing his incredible age-proof skills during six breathtaking wins, leading the team in minutes, rebounds and assists.
Meanwhile, his city only cringed and thought, yeah, we’ve seen these sorts of great bursts from him before, but he wears down without help. Where’s the help?
During a summer when the Dodgers have been setting themselves up for another deep playoff run, the Lakers have once again stolen the headlines by setting themselves up for more deep embarrassment.
If they can’t contend for a title in what is surely the final two seasons of James’ storied career, then his time here has represented the biggest blown opportunity in the history of Los Angeles sports.
Worse than the Kings failing to win a Stanley Cup with Wayne Gretzky. Worse than the Clippers destroying Lob City. Worse than USC failing to play for a national title with Caleb Williams. And, yes, even worse than the Dodgers winning those 10 division championships with only one short-season title to show for it.
This would be a failure of LeBron-sized proportions, having the best player in history wearing one of the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/plaschke-lebron-james-golden-olympics-100029810.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-08-26 10:00:29
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