Former NBA Stars Snub LeBron James’ Lakers as Title Contenders: “That’s When You’re Applauding Minimum Performance. It’s Good for the Lakers, but It’s Not Real”

The Los Angeles Lakers started this season as one of the experts’ favorites to win it all this year. They stacked their lineup with veterans and former All-Stars. While some of them initially criticized this approach, most felt LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook will eventually figure out their chemistry to lead this team. However, since Davis’ injury along with Carmelo Anthony and Westbrook’s struggles to consistently perform, experts have questioned the effectiveness of this roster.

Among the critics are former NBA stars who dropped a truth bomb on the Lakers on ESPN’s NBA Today. Jalen Rose and Richard Jefferson are former NBA stars. Jefferson has been on LeBron’s championship-winning team. Jalen Rose was a primary talent for the Pacers. They have both seen the modern era of the NBA develop while they were on the court. Therefore, they both know what it takes to succeed in today’s game. However, they feel that LeBron James and the Lakers just don’t have it in them anymore to win it all.

Former NBA stars feel LeBron James’ Lakers cannot win it all this year

On the latest episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, Richard Jefferson and Jalen Rose snubbed the Lakers as championship contenders. Moreover, Jefferson was even shocked to see them celebrate a three-game win streak against relatively small opponents. He felt the Lakers should not be celebrating this. He said “That’s when you’re applauding minimum performance. It’s good for the Lakers, but it’s not real”

Jalen Rose clarified that the discussion here is not how well LeBron James has played. However, it is a question of the franchise as a whole. He said, “You got LeBron playing like a superstar but the reality of our eye test, we know this team ain’t winning a championship.”

Also Read: Kevin Durant Makes A Bold Claim About James Harden That May Upset Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s Warriors: “They Were the Best Team Here for a While”

What does this mean for the Lakers?

LeBron James has previously beat the odds frequently in his career. Seeing analysts shift the narrative against LeBron’s team is not an unusual sight. Nevertheless, LeBron has admitted frequently that he does not pay much attention to the media narrative. However, can they rely on a 37-year-old LeBron to repeat what he did in 2016 against the Warriors? Do you think LeBron still has what it takes to carry the team to another championship? Let us know what you think about it.

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