Keyshawn Johnson throws shade at LeBron James’ stint with LA Lakers: “He’s a Laker, but he’s not a homegrown Laker”
LeBron James has spent the last few years of his career with the LA Lakers, which has caused him to break some records donning the Purple and Gold. However, a few people aren't impressed with his stint with the Lakers, including former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
Johnson threw shade on James' stretch with Los Angeles, implying that overtaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record won't be much of a big deal. He explained that because it won't be getting the team an additional championship, fans aren't as excited.
"I think people in LA will applaud it, and that's what it is," said Johnson, a Los Angeles nateive. "But it's not coming with a championship. So, if it was coming with a championship, it would probably feel a little different to the people of LA. The people in LA are just like, 'OK, cool.'
"He’s a Laker, but he’s not a homegrown Laker. ... They consider LeBron here as a rental. We just keep renewing the lease."
James, with 37,965 points, is on his way to surpassing Abdul-Jabbar's mark of 38,387. Barring injury, it's safe to assume that the All-Star forward will be the league's top scorer by the end of the season. It also feels like a fairytale as both players achieved this feat while wearing the Lakers uniform.
LeBron James didn't play in the Lakers' Monday game against the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets, a 122-109 loss, due to a left sore ankle. For Thursday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks, it's possible that the four-time MVP could suit up.
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Luka Doncic could be the next LeBron James
LeBron James has a unique brand of basketball, which separates him from other all-time great players. He's an all-around player, which is far different from how other stars play in this league. Most stars opt to make the most of the scoring and add a bit of the other categories.
James has made it clear from the start of his career that he's a different kind of superstar. Similarly, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is similar in that regard. Ever since his rookie season, he has shown a wide variety of offensive skills. He's not just a scorer, he can also rebound and facilitate at an elite level.
Doncic has drawn comparisons to many legends, including LeBron. The Slovenian star is an all-around star who could get a triple-double on a consistent basis. Even Kendrick Perkins sees similarities between the two stars.
"Luka Doncic is a LeBron James, minus the athleticism," Perkins said. "And here we are today, a year later, having the same converstation.
"They can do it all. They can get buckets, they make guys around them better, they rebound the ball at a high clip."
Also read: Understanding the LeBron James to Golden State Warriors rumors: How they originated and is it realistic?