Good news for Los Angeles Lakers fans — LeBron James is chasing an individual accolade
LeBron James
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
With the season hanging by a thread, Los Angeles Lakers fans are hoping stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis return to action sooner than later. Fortunately for Laker Nation, LeBron won't pack it in as he did in his first season in LA - this year he's chasing an individual achievement.
James could win the scoring title
LeBron is on track to win the scoring title this season. He’s been sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, and his return remains up in the air. However, due to the urgency to save the Lakers' season and the chance to become the oldest player to win the scoring title, the 37-year-old could return sooner than later.
A player must play at least 70%of regular-season games before becoming eligible for the scoring title. LeBron has played in 55 games so far -- 3 games away from meeting the criteria.
However, there’s still no guarantee that L.A. would qualify for the play-in tournament as the team will face tough assignments in their remaining games against the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, among others.
To win the scoring title, James also needs to average at least 27 points in at least three games to maintain his slim lead over Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid (taking into account current averages.)
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LeBron James’ scoring average: 30.0
Joel Embiid’s scoring average: 29.8
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring average: 29.7
If James wins the scoring title, it would be a nice consolation if the Lakers go on to lose the ticket for the playoffs.
From contenders to pretenders
No one could have imagined that the L.A. Lakers would have a poor season, given their offseason signings. They signed future Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook but injuries and safety protocols derailed the team’s chemistry building on the court.
If it boils down to the blame game, James did his part (at least on the court). Averaging 30 points at 37 years old is almost unheard of in the basketball universe. But LeBron does LeBron things, which makes him the GOAT when all is said and done.
The pressure is now on Frank Vogel to make lemonade out of lemons. If and when Anthony Davis returns, he should also be of great help. The Lakers shouldn’t be fighting for their lives at this point of the season, but here we are. There’s still some slim chance left, and with rumors of AD and LeBron returning soon, those are the only things Lakers fans desperately need to hear.
