LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to dominate NBA discussion following the team’s second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Questions around James’ long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ direction have grown louder this offseason. Amid those conversations, former NFL star and media personality Shannon Sharpe defended James while arguing that the Lakers and critics continue to overlook the impact he has had on every franchise he has joined.
Sharpe made the comments while discussing the Lakers’ treatment of James after reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin detailed tension between the four-time NBA champion and the organization.
“One thing the Lakers got right” was hiring head coach JJ Redick, whom Sharpe said James has “had a great relationship with.”
Shannon Sharpe Uses Team Records To Defend LeBron James
GettyFormer NFL player Shannon Sharpe
Sharpe pointed to franchise records before and during James’ tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers to support his argument.
According to Sharpe, Cleveland won 40 percent of its games in the seven seasons before James arrived for his first stint. During James’ seven years there, the Cavaliers won 63 percent of their games.
Sharpe then highlighted Miami’s turnaround after James joined the Heat in 2010.
“Before he arrived, there was 149 and 179, a 45% win rate,” Sharpe said. “His four years there, there was 224 and 88, a 72% win rate.”
Sharpe also discussed James’ second stint in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers reached four straight NBA Finals and won the 2016 championship.
“In his four years there, they went to four NBA Finals,” Sharpe said. “They won one of those NBA Finals and they were 211 and 117.”
He then shifted focus to the Lakers, who missed the playoffs in each of the five seasons before James arrived in 2018.
Sharpe referenced Los Angeles’ records from 2013 through 2018, including seasons of 27-55, 21-61, 17-65, and 26-56.
“But, boy, the Lakers were bad,” Sharpe said. “People couldn’t wait to see the Lakers.”
Sharpe argued that the Lakers’ struggles also led to high draft selections, including Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Julius Randle.
“How in the world would you be able to get the number two pick in the draft if you win?” Sharpe asked. “How you get Lonzo Ball if you win the playoffs?”
Sharpe also compared James’ championship success to that of other current NBA superstars.
“Eight years in Milwaukee, how many championships does Giannis have? One,” Sharpe said. “In eight years in Denver, how many championships have Jokic won? One.”
Sharpe added, “Giannis is deemed successful. Jokic is deemed successful. Only one is deemed unsuccessful.”
Brian Windhorst Explains Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James Dilemma
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also addressed James’ situation with the Lakers while discussing the financial complications tied to his future.
“Well, the Lakers have a problem,” Windhorst said. “The Lakers don’t want to lose LeBron James. They don’t want to lose his 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists a game. But they don’t want to pay $50 million for it.”
Windhorst explained that James would likely expect a clear roster-building plan if the Lakers ask him to accept a lower salary moving forward.
“If you want LeBron to take a pay cut, you can’t just indeterminately say, hey, will you take a pay cut?” Windhorst said. “You better bring him a reason to take a pay cut.”
Windhorst added that James would likely remain open to sacrifices if the Lakers could use the money to improve the roster around Doncic.
“Yes, the team was 0-8 against the Thunder this year,” Windhorst said. “But if we acquire this player or these two players with the money you’re going to leave on the table, we can overcome that.”
James averaged 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists this season while helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals.
The 41-year-old has not yet confirmed whether he plans to remain with the Lakers, pursue another opportunity, or retire.
LeBron James’ Lakers Future: Shannon Sharpe Defends His Impact