The Los Angeles Lakers would not still be in the playoffs if it weren’t for LeBron James. James helped carry the team past the Rockets with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured. Reaves is back, but Doncic is not. That left James as the top option for most of that series.
James’ resume is unassailable as one of the greatest players of all time. He holds numerous NBA records and has played longer than anyone else. Yet, he still doesn’t have the respect of some of his peers, as evidenced by an anonymous poll published by The Athletic.
James has appeared on the Most Overrated Player Poll, despite everything he has done.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Lakers’ LeBron James Receives Votes in Most Overrated Player Poll
In the poll from The Athletic, James was in the others receiving votes category. He received 1.2 percent of the vote. It’s a little surprising to see him receive some votes with everything that he has accomplished in the NBA. However, only 81 players contributed votes.
That means that James received just a single vote. Still, it’s notable that someone out there thinks that James is overrated, despite being able to do what he has done at 41 years old. This season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.
While James clearly is no longer in his prime, his ability to impact the game at his age is impressive. He is the perfect third star to play on a team with two other really good players. If he can somehow beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, it would make this inclusion even more laughable.
James wasn’t the only Lakers player to appear in this poll, either. Doncic finished tied for seventh with 3.7 percent of the vote. Doncic carrying the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2023 didn’t seem to impress his peers.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
LeBron James Continues to Have Haters Across the NBA
Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that James appeared in this poll. Rich Paul claims current players try to make him lose clients because of their disdain for James. Still, James’ performance in the first round of the playoffs should keep him from appearing in this poll next year, assuming he plays.
The Lakers need James to turn up his performance against the Thunder in order for them to have any shot of beating them. Oklahoma City has been the best team in the league all season long, so beating them is not going to be easy. That’s especially true with Doncic still out with a hamstring injury.
James did everything he could in Game 1, scoring 27 points on 12-17 shooting. He was the most efficient offensive player that the Lakers had in that game. They might need him to force the issue even more without Doncic available to give them an offensive lift.
The Lakers are massive underdogs to win the series.
Lakers’ LeBron James Appears on Most Overrated Player Poll