There are two things every NBA fan knows: LeBron is the best player of our generation and the Los Angeles Lakers will always have popularity. Put two and two together and something beautiful should happen. However, this partnership is possibly the worst business move Magic Johnson and the Lakers could have done since trading away D’Angelo Russell.
At the start of the 2018-19 NBA season, Lakers’ fans came out from under their Kobe Bryant bed sheets and praised the the basketball gods for another season. No, this was not because this would be Lonzo Ball’s sophomore year, but because LeBron James signed with the Lakers in the offseason. LA natives were excited. The media was excited. Even players around the league were excited. Most importantly, Magic Johnson was elated. He secured the best player in the league to play for his team. The money came in, but the idea of success rolled out.
The season opener for the Lakers occured on October 18, 2018. With LeBron James leading the charge with 26 points and 12 rebounds, the Lakers lost to the Trailblazers 119-128. It's only the first game though, right? LeBron James has carried far worse teams to success, right? Next game, LeBron scored 24...and lost to the Rockets 115-124. Now down 0-2 at the start of the season, the Lakers were determined to win one game. They faced the San Antonio Spurs at home and...lost in overtime by one point. The LeBron-led Lakers were not looking so hot.
Even off the court, LeBron and the Lakers could not catch a break. Murals of LeBron James were being defaced and destroyed. People shouted vulgar words in the streets. And like always, LeBron jerseys were being burned.
As the season moved on, however; the Lakers started to win. They reached above .500 winning percentage a quarter of the way into the season. LeBron started to show his talents and his true colors: Purple and Gold.
That lasted only a few months though. Lebron James got injured and the Lakers went back to their losing ways.
As the trade deadline for the 2018-19 season approached, Magic Johnson was informed that New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis wants out of New Orleans. He did not
demand to be traded to one particular team, but everyone in the sports’ world knew that he wanted to go to Los Angeles. In response, Magic Johnson decided to make some calls.
During this time, social media blew up. The injured LeBron and Magic Johnson were spotted in a skybox. It is believed that the two were discussing roster moves for the future of the Lakers. Magic’s first trade offer for Davis was publicized soon afterwards. The offer included a few key young players on the Lakers roster. After being rejected, Magic then sent a second trade. This trade included Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Ingram, and two first round picks.
All of the players on the Lakers were scared for their livelihoods. At any moment, Magic Johnson and LeBron James could trade everyone away for Anthony Davis. This caused a huge rift in the team’s chemistry. So huge that the other players on the Lakers choose to not sit with LeBron James during games.
As the season progresses, the Lakers continue to consistently lose games. There is no end in sight for the woes that reap over La La Land.
