LeBron, Lakers Poised to Return with sights on an NBA Title

With a return to the NBA season fast approaching and players and teams finally setting up shop in the "bubble" that is the enclosed environment in Orlando, Florida in which those participating will spend the next few months living, practicing and playing all games, sports fans will be relieved when the league's tips-off its return on July 31. All but eight teams have been invited and will resume the 2019-20 NBA season that came to a screeching halt and was suspended over four months ago back on March 11, following the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic that has since then taken the world by storm and rock the nation. These are unprecedented times that both the league and its players have never before encountered, and because of that, we're likely in store for a finish that will be unlike any we've ever seen and might not ever see again.

At the time of the league's stoppage, the Milwaukee Bucks (53-12) and Los Angeles Lakers (49-14) were at the top of their respective conferences in the NBA standings with the Lakers as the odds on favorite to win it all. And while those odds have not slipped thru the grasp of the Lake Show despite the layoff, one thing that could greatly change and witness a rise in stock if the Lakers were to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy this year, is the legacy of one LeBron James. With James already in the discussion of the game's all-time greats, many believe it's become a two-man debate between LeBron and his airness -- Michael Jordan. While LeBron's legacy continues to be etched, some pundits have ruled out James entirely and believe he's incapable of ever catapulting his way passed MJ for the top spot regardless of what he does from here on out, often pointing to the handful of Finals defeats LeBron has suffered throughout his career as his record stands at 3-6. But by the same token, those Finals appearances have to hold some water and stand for something as he's one of just six players to ever appear in eight straight NBA Finals, joining five players of the 1960's Boston Celtics. And while it might not be the be all end all defining achievement that allows LeBron to leapfrog Jordan for the title as the G.O.A.T., winning a championship in this pandemic-stricken season would certainly be a major feather in James' cap and would help strengthen his case tremendously.

As legendary as Jordan's career was, he never had to overcome an obstacle quite like the one created by the novel Corona Virus that has continued to cause more trouble than any opponent on the hardwood ever has. With home-court advantage no longer a factor, pre-game and post-game routines as good as gone and even something as simple as sleeping in ones own bed out of the picture, times are strange for today's NBA player as those leaving the bubble or those seen roaming about without a mask or face covering open themselves up for criticism, a fine, or even suspension as LeBron's Laker teammate Dwight Howard can vouch for. Howard who was seen congregating without a mask on, fell victim to the league's anonymous tip hotline earlier this week, a hotline put in place for players and league staff to report any wrongdoing committed by those in the bubble who aren't following the league's safety guidelines. LeBron and the Lakers have already lost one teammate caused by the pandemic in point guard Avery Bradley, citing health and safety concerns and can ill-afford to lose another. Not to mention point guard Rajon Rondo who will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks while nursing a fractured right thumb suffered during practice just days into the team's arrival. Barring another stoppage caused by the virus, King James, as determined as ever after narrowing the gap and making strides in catching Giannis Antetokounmpo in the MVP race, will either have yet another chink in his armor or one more notch under his belt come seasons end.


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