Three reasons why LeBron James can make the Lakers a powerhouse again
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2x NBA Champion ready to lift the Lakers?
The new NBA season is within touching distance with some big names trading places in the off-season.
LeBron James headlined when he swapped Cleveland for LA and signed for the Lakers.
The Golden State Warriors may be 4/7 to retain their crown but The Coral News Team take a look at how LeBron can turn the tide for the Lakers.
Leadership
The Lakers have arguably not had a leader in their side since Kobe Bryant’s retirement in 2015-16.
Bryant led the side to 5 NBA Championships between 2000 and 2010, but they’ve been craving a star man ever since.
LeBron James can be that man.
James roused an ordinary Cleveland Cavaliers side to back-to-back NBA finals in recent years.
A Lakers roster that already has Lonzo Ball and Javale McGee could see the L.A franchise return to the play-offs after an eight year absence.
Can propel team-mates to big things
James was the driving force behind the Cavaliers arriving in the NBA finals four times and winning in 2016.
It was perhaps last season that he did his best work. They lost Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics and could only finish fourth in the Eastern Conference.
However, James was able to inspire his side to a final appearance despite losing team-mate Kevin Love with concussion and playing with a broken hand himself.
The Celtics and Houston Rockets are second and third favourites for the title with the Lakers at 12/1 to claim a first NBA finals win since James was last leaving the Cavs in 2010.
Can attract big names
LeBron James may have felt his second spell at the Cavs was over but it was still a real coup from the Lakers.
After a lean spell without a real talisman the arrival of James can attract some of the sport’s big names back to Los Angeles.
Lakers have a flourishing side with the aforementioned Ball, McGee, Brandon Ingram and last year’s impressive rookie Kyle Kuzma.
But if King James can make waves with this side then we could see some more of the game’s breakout stars arriving at the Lakers.
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