The NBA Finals will feel fresh in a bittersweet manner to many fans this season after the traditional powerhouses are out early, the biggest one being LeBron James’ LA Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers fell well short of expectations, heading for an early exit after being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
LeBron James, in his age-40 season, continued to beat Father Time, but it wasn’t enough as clear defensive deficiencies in the team saw them outplayed.
Rob Pelinka is already making plans to address it next season, while the hard work for Luka Doncic has begun. Now, a prediction from Udonis Haslem has arrived about James next season.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesUdonis Haslem makes LeBron James prediction
One of the first questions that James faced after the Lakers were eliminated was eye-opening and so was his response.
He indirectly blamed the front office for not listening to Anthony Davis‘ plea for a center, and the Lakers paid for it against the Timberwolves.
However, once that on-court stuff was sorted out, the big picture question arrived which was – how much gas does LeBron James have left in the tank?
James showed last season he can still clearly dominate when he’s locked in, especially on the offensive end, and that wasn’t lost on Haslem.
The former Miami Heat man gave a firm prediction about James that despite all the talk about his future, he “doesn’t trust” that James’ age will be a factor.
Haslem said: “There’s no doubt in my mind. We got a chance to see that first hand. I trust the work. I don’t trust age, I don’t trust what people say, I trust the work.
“The work that that man put in, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to continue to play. At this stage of the game for ‘Bron it’s not even about habits no more, this is about lifestyle. This is his lifestyle, 1,000 percent he can.”
The Lakers are on the clock with James
Just because James is a model professional who continues to beat Father Time doesn’t mean it won’t eventually catch up to him.
What Haslem says is completely correct because James dominated last season and despite Luka Doncic’s arrival often was the guy the Lakers went to in the clutch.
He has continuously found ways to improve his game and age well in the NBA but the Lakers are on the clock if they want to send him off with at least one more ring.
The upcoming off-season and trade market will be crucial because the Lakers are in a tough spot where everybody knows they can become contenders with just one move.
The teams will be less open to trades that could create a genuine contender, a challenge that Pelinka needs to pass successfully.
Having James still playing at such a high level is a luxury, one that the Lakers will quickly run out of if they don’t get their moves right before next season.