
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) react during overtime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) react during overtime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers completed an incredible regular season comeback to make it to the play-in tournament. Before the trade deadline, the hopes looked dim. However, when the new faces came in, the glory returned. The Purple and Gold climbed back even in times when LeBron James couldn’t suit up, citing a leg injury. As the troops marched toward a common goal, the chemistry seems to have grown within the Laker unit.
After their final regular season game, a happy James spoke to the media about the love he has for all his teammates. While fans rejoiced over the closeness within the roster, they found a way to shame former Laker Russell Westbrook.
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LeBron James loves his teammates
After a convincing win over the Utah Jazz, King James was a happy man. The Lakers finished the season with a winning record. The switch in energy was evident ever since the franchise made trades during the deadline. The 17-time champions looked hungry and ready to make the impossible happen. Walking down such a path together needed all the Laker stars to be on the same page. Not only did they establish tight unity, but they became a family.
After a masterful night out, LeBron James spoke about the impact his teammates have had on the Lakers’ turnaround this season. He said, “I love my teammates, and I fell in love with them even more when I wasn’t playing.”

via Imago
April 9, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers after winning their NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday April 9, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Lakers defeat Jazz, 128-117. /PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20230409_zaa_p124_015 Copyright: xARIANAxRUIZx
Without the combined efforts, the Lakers’ resurgence might have been too great a task for James to achieve. Several stars stepped up and took on the responsibility when the four-time MVP was sidelined. Anthony Davis turned back the clock and established his reputation as a superstar. Undrafted Laker Austin Reaves played his heart out and became a starter within the time frame.
The remaining Lakers, such as D’Angelo Russell, Jared Vanderbilt, and others, proved that they have the fire in them to join the mission.
Fans roast Russell Westbrook amidst happiness
Despite parting ways with the franchise months ago, Brodie became the target of the Laker Nation once again. The fans claim LeBron James didn’t have such happiness while Westbrook donned the Purple and Gold. A Twitter fan said, “Notice how he wasn’t nearly this happy with Russ”
Notice how he wasn’t nearly this happy with Russ
— 𝘏𝘉𝘒 ⁶𓅓 (@theonlyreacher_) April 10, 2023
Lebron after the trade deadline pic.twitter.com/oLYTV2udTs
— Reezy (@DondaRatioedU) April 10, 2023
*and when Russ got traded.
— Mac 1️⃣ (@BigChr1sMac) April 10, 2023
this is true, he loves Westbrook now more than he ever has since he isn’t playing with him
— wicky whacky (@bwettybear) April 10, 2023
Some other fans believe it is only a matter of time before LeBron James trades his teammates away. A fan even said, “This ain’t a love story shut up.”
This ain't a love story shut up.
— ??? (@M_Flores187) April 10, 2023
All of them traded next summer
— Noël Alonso (@NoelAlonsoB) April 10, 2023
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Translation: “I love my teamates , but I fell in love with them when for the first time in my career my team was able to win wihtout me .”
— Prince (@Princejayjr) April 10, 2023
What happens next season is something that no one knows. But the Lakers have gone through a major transformation to be in the position they are today.
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Watch This Story: Ranking Kobe Bryant’s Five Championship Runs with the Los Angeles Lakers
As the play-in tournament stands one night away, do you think we will see the 2020 champions in the playoffs? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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