The Lakers have been struggling for quite some time now. After the 2019-20 championship-winning season, they had to take part in the play-in and it sure looks like they would have to do that again this year. LA Lakers with 17 NBA championships is not a side you expect to see struggling this much.

With the roster, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, there is no lack of talent on display. The problem they have faced is mainly the combinations and chemistry. Moreover, injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron have also added to the hardships.

LeBron James has been the only constant on this Lakers side. Still averaging 29.0 points per game, which is his personal best since the 2009-10 season. Certainly, James can not be the problem. The latest loss of the Lakers was against the Pelicans, who brushed them aside easily despite 32 points from James.

LeBron James on his way out?

Amidst a disappointing season, fingers have been raised on the star man more than anyone else. LeBron, despite inspired performances, has attracted criticism. Starting from his injuries to his influence to sign Russell Westbrook, James has been a subject to criticism for the fans.

Colin Cowherd, the host of The Herd, has made some massive claims about what in his opinion is best for James and the Lakers.

He once said on his show a while back that he thinks James is not what the Lakers need right now and vice versa. He said that James was past his prime when he used to be unstoppable. As good as he is right now, James, some years back, was something else.

READ MORE: Colin Cowherd expresses his views on how trading James would be a wise decision for Jeanie Buss.

This time around, Colin disagreed with an opinion that said James can not lead a team anymore. He said on his show, ?I don?t agree with that. He can?t carry this roster. Nobody can carry this roster, it’s just not good enough. Nobody can carry this roster, including Giannis. This is not a championship roster,? speaking about the current Lakers team.

He mentioned how, in his opinion, the best team for James to go to would be Miami Heat, where he would partner with Jimmy Butler and Bam. The Heat would?ve to trade out Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and 3 first-round picks.

It would not have been normal if Twitter did not go berserk after this.

https://twitter.com/RedX21X/status/1498407479864090630?s=20&t=RWwmLtVGE64yNMbUQllxAg

https://twitter.com/ceasaleoXL/status/1498426534025117698?s=20&t=RWwmLtVGE64yNMbUQllxAg

https://twitter.com/brandonfrisby05/status/1498383954193403906?s=20&t=RWwmLtVGE64yNMbUQllxAg

What?s ahead for the Lakers?

The Lakers have spent quite a long time at 9th in the Western Conference now. James has had a good season so far. But his influence to get Westbrook instead of going after someone like DeMar DeRozan invited criticism on his judgment because the Russell Westbrook trade has been a disappointment so far.

Both Westbrook and James like to carry the ball and maybe that is why they don?t particularly compliment as much as they would?ve hoped. Anthony Davis? injuries have been a major setback along with an aging Carmelo Anthony, 37. As things stand, James and Lakers may have to part ways, but one can not be sure if Lakers would benefit from his departure.

On the other hand, James going to a side that is already first seed at the moment (Miami Heat) would certainly boost his chances at another championship.

ALSO READ: Shaquille O’Neal warns Lakers not to trade King James.

We are yet to see how the Lakers play ahead and if they can pull out a rabbit from the hat and end the season miraculously good.