
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James and the Lakers were one of the favorites to win the title this season. But after the completion of their first-round series, the Purple & Gold have bowed out of the Playoffs courtesy of a gutsy performance by the Phoenix Suns.
Struggling with injuries, the Lakers were clearly missing their superstar Anthony Davis and even LeBron James wasn’t a 100%. An underperforming supporting cast didn’t help either.
The Lakers will certainly be disappointed with their playoff performance. With a long off-season ahead, the champions might have many tough decisions to make.
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READ MORE- Lakers’ Anthony Davis Expresses Regret Over His Early Exit From Their Game Against Phoenix Suns
LeBron James creates an all-time playoff record
LeBron James certainly wasn’t looking his best self all series long. With a lingering ankle injury, the King James‘ explosiveness took a back seat thus leading to less scoring.
While this series became his only first round loss, LBJ did manage to break yet another record. After blocking two shots against the Suns in game 6, LBJ jumped to 10th spot of players with most blocked shots in Playoffs.
Having recently broken into this echelon of players, LeBron became the only player in NBA Playoffs history to be in the Top-10 list of points, assists, rebounds, steals and blocks.
LeBron James is the only player in NBA history to rank in the top 10 for all-time playoff points (1st), rebounds (6th), assists (2nd), steals (1st) and blocks (10th). pic.twitter.com/S1fktDbbH7
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 4, 2021
This certainly speaks volumes about Bron’s impact across the floor. Be it his impact on the offensive end with his points and assists or his defensive prowess with steals and blocks, LBJ can do it all.
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This also tells us a lot about his durability as a player. Playing in his 18th season, the 36-year-old has only missed the playoffs thrice and is a regular in the post-season.
For the first time since 2010, the NBA Finals won't feature either Steph Curry or LeBron James 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NJFjo64lOo
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 4, 2021
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After having dominated the latter part of the decade, the NBA Finals won’t have LBJ or Steph Curry for the first time in 10 years. It will surely be unusual not to see the ever-present LeBron James in the post season though.
But this might be a blessing for the King and Co. While they have endured multiple injuries during the regular season, this extended off time will be necessary for Davis and LeBron to recover. Can LeBron James lead to be Lakers to yet another championships next season?
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