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Was the 2020-21 season LeBron James’ last, best shot at another NBA title?

By William Ricks

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during the first half of an NBA Tournament Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on May 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during the first half of an NBA Tournament Play-In game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on May 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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With the NBA competition getting tougher and LeBron James getting older, did he miss his last opportunity to win a championship during the 2020-21 season?

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2020-21 season as the favorites to win the championship for a second straight year. Even though they had the shortest offseason in NBA history, the sheer star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, along with a deep cast of role players, had many thinking it was enough for them to go back-to-back.

However, the lakers’ season quickly unraveled. After a 21-6 start to the year, injuries to Davis and LeBron caused the Lakers to fall to the seventh spot in the West. They were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns, James’ first-ever first-round exit.

After his 17th year, it’s safe to say that LeBron still holds the crown as the best player in the world. Although he is the GOAT, that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to win another championship. With him turning 37 in December and the NBA getting much stronger competition-wise, was the 2020-21 season The King’s last legit shot at a title?

Will LeBron James win another NBA championship before he retires?

LeBron James has already cemented his place in NBA history as one of the greatest players to ever live. He’s won countless awards, four championships and has made a huge impact on and off the court. But, sticking to the on-court discussion, could he have missed his last shot to win another championship in 2020-21? The NBA competition is only going to get stronger, especially in the Western Conference.

The Warriors have played tough with Stephen Curry leading the way. He carried Golden on his back this past year, almost getting them into the playoffs. With his sniper-like accuracy from deep, Curry isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Klay Thompson is also returning to the court after missing the last two seasons with injuries. James remembers how the Splash Bros. haunted him in the past, making things much tougher for The King.

The Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies are teams who are on the rise in the West. The playoff experience they gained this past season will only help them in the future. James got a first-hand look at Devin Booker’s potential in their matchup, and he already knows how special a player Luka Doncic is for the Mavs. The next generation of NBA talent has put the league on notice that they are coming for the crown after this season.

The Los Angeles Clippers are still a team to watch, with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard leading the way. It’s likely Leonard stays in L.A. after this year, meaning James will have to deal with Klaw for the foreseeable future. Other teams like the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans will also be formidable opponents.

We haven’t even jumped to the Eastern Conference yet. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden will be stronger after an offseason together with the Brooklyn Nets. The Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid and could be even better if they make certain roster changes. The Heat are a competitive team, and the Bucks have a solid unit. If (and truly if) LeBron James makes it out of the West next year, the NBA Finals won’t be a cakewalk, either.

The increased level of competition is only one piece of the puzzle. James is getting older, has dealt with some injuries in recent years, and the Lakers don’t have much flexibility to bolster the roster around him.

Will LeBron’s age and the Lakers’ limited finances prevent him from winning a championship?

For the majority of his career, LeBron James has been able to stave off Father Time. However, he’s lost some battles in recent years. In his first season in L.A., a groin injury abruptly halted LeBron’s season, and any playoff hopes the Lakers had. In 2020-21, an ankle sprain took him out for weeks and prevented him from finding his rhythm in time for the postseason.

It’s no secret that LeBron puts huge sums of money into keeping his body in peak condition, but he will be turning 37 this year. The recent ailments paired with the mileage he put on his body up to this point could be a sign he is beginning to wear down.

The team around him also comes with questions. They have another generational talent in Anthony Davis, but injuries have hampered his ability to stay on the floor and be consistent. L.A.’s finances prevent them from adding significant talent around the two stars.

The Lakers will be over the salary cap, making it difficult to sign players who can make a true impact on their team. We saw how the role players failed to produce when LeBron and Davis went down. They didn’t show up in the playoff either, which lowered the trade value for any pieces L.A. wanted to move. Asking an elderly LeBron James to carry the Lakers without quality role players will get similar results to the 2020-21 season or worse.

Because of the limited finances, the best the Lakers can do is re-sign some players, use their mid-level exception, and stand pat. That probably won’t be enough to win next season, at least, with the aforementioned teams improving and gaining valuable experience. LeBron wanted AD in LA, but the team paying him and Davis huge contracts could prevent The King from ever winning another championship.

LeBron James has defied all odds throughout his NBA career, but this one might be one he can’t overcome. Will James ever get to the championship throne again with the league-wide increase in talent, age, team’s limitations to add talent, and recent injury history? Only time will tell, and who knows how much of it the King has left.

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