"No one in the NBA has played better than LeBron James” - Magic Johnson on LA Lakers' forward's recent performances
LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson is among the many fans of what LeBron James has been able to accomplish over the last few weeks. James has arguably been the best player in the league since December.
The 37-year-old is currently averaging 30.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. James is has shot 55/39/80 splits during that stretch.
The Lakers' star dropped his 18th 30-point game of the current NBA season in the team's 119-127 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. After the game, Johnson hailed James for his recent performances (via a tweet):
"For the last three weeks, no one in the NBA has played better than LeBron James. He has more 30-point games than anybody this season with 18 and is averaging 30 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field," tweeted Johnson.
James' stellar run has brought up his name in MVP conversations. He isn't a front-runner for the award as the Lakers haven't performed well as a team this season.
The LA Lakers have a 21-20 record halfway through the campaign. They will need contributions from the rest of the players aside from James, if they are to turn things around in the second half of the season.
For the last three weeks, no one in the NBA has played better than LeBron James. He has more 30-point games than anybody this season with 18 and is averaging 30 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field 🔥🔥🔥
Can the LA Lakers capitalise on LeBron James's form?
The LA Lakers have been heavily reliant on LeBron James this season. That shouldn't have been the case, though, as they acquired a third All-Star in the form of Russell Westbrook. It was done to ensure James didn't have to shoulder the responsibility of leading the team single-handedly.
However, that plan hasn't worked well. Westbrook has looked like a misfit playing alongside James. He has been a ball-dominant player throughout his career and is struggling to play off the ball while sharing the floor with a player like James, who has a high-usage rate.
Westbrook hasn't been able to make much of a difference with the ball in his hands, either. He is averaging four to five turnovers per game, which has led to James being asked to be the floor-general for the team for the majority of plays.
LeBron James is the first player in history to improve his career scoring average in his 19th NBA season.
He's one of only two to improve his steals average and one of three to accomplish that with assists.
LeBron > Father Time. https://t.co/rPWzm4VIa2
With Anthony Davis out injured, James has had to carry out the job of a defensive anchor as well. The rest of the supporting cast featuring Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker and Dwight Howard have also struggled to contribute. That has led to James' failure to translate his individual efforts into winning results for the team.
It's important to take note that there are 10 new players on this Lakers roster, though. It was always going to be an uphill task for them to find their chemistry on the court.
The Lakeshow have also had to deal with plenty of injuries during the 41 games they have played thus far. If they manage to stay healthy, there is a great chance they may end up making huge strides over the next 41 games of the campaign.
The Lakers are currently seventh in the Western Conference standings.