The Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Several iconic NBA figures, such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, have donned the famous gold and purple threads of the Lakers. Moreover, they are the most successful franchise in NBA history, winning 17 NBA championships with LeBron James winning the team’s last title in 2020. Hence, it’s safe to suggest that, along with the Boston Celtics, the Lakers stand as one of the most beloved, followed, and iconic franchises in the NBA.

Naturally, it’s not easy to follow in the footsteps of legends like Magic and Kobe Bryant, but that’s exactly what Lakers fans expect from LeBron James. However, King James has risen to the challenge. He has won the hearts of millions of Lakers fans worldwide with remarkable achievements like leading the Lakers to their 17th NBA title, becoming the NBA’s scoring leader in a Lakers jersey, and being the first player to exceed 40,000 regular-season points while playing for the Lakers.

However, despite LeBron’s remarkable achievements as a Laker, some fans and analysts feel that he would never truly win over the Laker nation because of his fierce rivalry with Kobe Bryant. In a recent episode of the Odd Couple radio show, host Chris Broussard offered an explanation as to why the Lakers fanbase might never fully embrace LeBron as one of their own. He said, “LeBron will be viewed as a Cav. But I think that’s really only because he’s from North-East Ohio.”

During his illustrious 21-season NBA career, LeBron James has played for three teams, namely: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers. While his most impactful and celebrated stint came with the Cavs, his most successful period occurred with the Heat. So, how will people remember his time with the Lakers?

LeBron James’ underrated stint with the Lakers

LeBron James’ arrival at the Lakers in 2018 marked a significant moment for the franchise, which had not witnessed postseason action since 2013. However, after a year of settling in, LeBron not only led the Lakers to the playoffs but won the NBA title in just his second season. While the Lakers have failed to win another title, they have remained fierce postseason candidates. Just last season, the Lakers were the Western Conference finalists.

This season, LeBron James led the Lakers to another title. The Lakers created history as they became the first winners of the inaugural NBA Cup in December 2023. However, speculations of LeBron leaving the Lakers’ have grown in recent months. It doesn’t help that James has remained mum regarding his imminent free agency, as his contract expires after this season.

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Although LeBron has a player option worth $51.4 million in his contract with the Lakers, experts and analysts speculate that James is unlikely to exercise this option. Despite initial skepticism from fans, King James came, saw, and conquered during his stint with the Lakers. Let’s just hope he ends his Lakers’ tenure on a high.

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