A team from Los Angeles will be in the NBA Playoffs this year. However, it will not be the Lakers. If the playoffs began today the Clippers will face the Houston Rockets in round 1. When LeBron James signed with the Lakers fans began to dream of returning to the playoffs. From 1995 to 2013 the Lakers did not miss a playoff appearance.  During that time the Lakers brought home five Championships. Five years was a long time with no postseason play.

Along came LeBron James. Thirteen consecutive playoff appearances and three championships. He would certainly turn the Lakers around. James has not been the miracle Laker fans have prayed for since 2013.

Why

James did not play in eighteen games. An injury on Christmas day kept him out of play until January 29, 2019. With the exception of his free-throw percentage (a career low .658) his statistics are comparable with the past thirteen seasons. When he performs, he performs well. Did his absence make a difference? The Lakers were 6-12 without James.  With James the rest of the season the Lakers are 24-24. He makes a difference.

The Rest of Team

The fact that he was expected to carry the team contributed to James’ departure from Cleveland. Has he found himself in a similar position in Los Angeles? It appears he may have. James leasds the team in minutes per game. The difference in points per game is huge. James averages 27.1 points per game. He is followed by Kyle Kuzma (18.8), Brandon Ingram (18.3), and JaVale McGee (11.1). LeBron James is most definitely carrying his weight and the weight of the team on his shoulders.

Is There Hope?

The “LeBron Era” Lakers do have hope. The most promising statistic is that James seems to bring out the best in his teammates.  Ingram and McGee have both increased their average points per game by over two points. McGee is healthy and having one of his best seasons. There is hope.  James says the team relies too much on their young players.

Here’s the full video of LeBron James on how youth impacts the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/YmfTUp8IYd

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 6, 2019

As they work to balance youth and experience hope springs eternal. It may not be next season but LeBron James should take the Lakers back to the playoffs.