Shannon Sharpe says LeBron James' legacy is being tainted with sub-par LA Lakers this season as patience wears thin
The Undisputed’s Shannon Sharpe believes that LeBron James’ overall legacy is being ruined due to the LA Lakers’ poor performances this season.
At the age of 37, LeBron James is still going strong, averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. However, the LA Lakers have struggled to capitalize on their star player's performances and have several issues. They are currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 14-21 record and are in desperate need of a lucky break.
LeBron has already been linked to a trade away as Shannon Sharpe ended up going on a rant defending him during the latest episode of The Undisputed.
How much longer until LeBron's patience grows thin with the Lakers?
"LeBron might have to take his show on the road because this is not how he wants to be remembered." — @ShannonSharpe https://t.co/bGotB9JQTI
Shannon Sharpe goes on rant defending LeBron James amidst LA Lakers’ turmoil
The LA Lakers’ latest loss came against the Miami Heat. They lost 112-98 despite LeBron James going for 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Shannon Sharpe believes that his efforts are going to be wasted due to his team:
“I am going to average 27,28 a game, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and guess what? I am going to be home again. Probably missed the Playoffs for the 3rd time in 5 years since I have come to LA. That’s not what its about. Once you have reached a level, a certain level, it’s just almost not good enough.
It’s almost like they are playing meaningless basketball. Okay I did this but what is it for? I played this way, that’s why I am the best. I am away from my family both mentally and physically. What am I doing this for?”
"I'm a winner and I want to win. And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. That has always been my passion... Playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It's not in my DNA anymore."
- LeBron James https://t.co/Oq01mbborx
James is on track to break multiple records this season, including a record for NBA’s highest scorer. Still, as he mentioned recently, the aim of the King is to win championships. Sharpe believes that the star Laker still has the ability to win more rings:
“My body is still fresh, I can still lift comfortable. I can train with intensity for as long as I want. My body is still good. They are three games away form the Play-in spot, and Anthony Davis does not look like he is on the horizon of returning. So what? I pass Kareem. That’s unbelievable. Its almost 40 years since Kareem broke the record. He is about to start his 19th straight All-Star game. Unbelievable accomplishment. He is already number 1 for most All-Star awards. But that is not what LeBron is about. But look at this man.”
Needless to say, Shannon still believes that James might end up surprising quite a few fans if he gets the trade that he reportedly desires.