Now that the “wow” and dust has settled, let’s look at last week’s biggest sports story: my Lakers’ signing of LeBron James.
There are legitimate basketball-based reasons for the Lakers to have not signed “The King”, such as, why hamstring your roster and salary cap with any one player when he won’t be enough to win the title?; or 2) Why increase the temptation to give up young, promising talent for another piece, such as Kawhi Leonard, when even if at his best, still likely will not be enough to beat the “Beast by the Bay?”; or 3) Previous Laker teams that acquired superstars were better than this group and thus the acquisition got them closer to a title.
Those, among others, are perfectly rational reasons.
But I have been a card-carrying member of Laker Nation since 1972 and rational thinking has no place in this column.
So, I give you the 10 reasons why LeBron and the Lakers make sense:
REASON 10: “The Apostle.” Pau Gasol
Does anyone believe my Lakers make it to 3 straight Finals from 2008-10 and win two titles without the acquisition of Gasol from Memphis? While he is not in the class of the next three I’ll name, he may be the most underappreciated Laker of any of the title teams.
REASON 9: Wilt Chamberlain
Getting Chamberlain before the 1969 season kept an aging team (Both West and Baylor were 10 years into the league) as a powerhouse without a rebuilding period. My Lakers made the Finals in 69, 70, 72, and 73, winning it all in 1972 with what was then a single-season record of 69-13, that also included a 33-game winning streak over the 71 and 72 seasons.
REASON 8: “Shaq”
He was acquired via free agency from the Magic. Once Kobe matured, Shaq led my Lakers to the NBA’s last 3-peat, 2000-02. He was Finals MVP all three times.
REASON 7: Kareem the Supreme
Already a proven winner, leading the Bucks to the 1971 title and reaching the Finals again in 1974, the case can be made that Jabbar’s acquisition was the most beneficial of any superstar in integrated sports history. He was the leading scorer on 3 of the 5 title teams of the 80s.
REASON 6: Putting down the Daddyball factor
I, for one, never understood why so many overreacted to LaVar Ball’s fine-line walk between buffoonery and marketing brilliance. Regardless, LeBron’s presence alone will push this issue to where it always belonged, which is the back page of the tabloid section. The other benefit is that it takes any undue pressure off Lonzo and allows him to develop with less of the scrutiny of those who wanted him to fail, to clam up pop.
REASON 5: Attractive to free agents again
Other than Kyrie Irving, who has had a big problem playing with LeBron, this move makes the Lakers an attractive destination for free agents again….maybe even for a discount.
REASON 4: Reclaiming L.A.
You know your team has sunk to an all-time low when folks would rather see the Clippers. Those days are over!
REASON 3: The Warriors can’t keep everyone
Klay Thompson comes up for free agency soon. Boogie Cousins returning to form is far from a sure thing, given the history of Achilles injuries (I for one believe our own Black Mamba might still be playing were it not for this injury so late in his career).
REASON 2: The Herm Edwards factor
“YOU PLAY…TO WIN….THE GAME!” How can getting the best player in the league via free agency undermine that goal? No, it does not put us on par with that Beast By the Bay. Some of you state this as if you are announcing a cure for cancer. But it does make you a better team.
And the number 1 reason LeBron and the Lakers make sense is…………….
…….drumroll……
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND YOU ARE NOT!
This would be highly questionable for any other franchise.
We are not any other franchise.
We are the mighty Los Angeles Lakers, draped in the majestic purple and gold, which is to say WE ARE SPORTS ROYALTY, and that is why we are suited for a King. Feel fortunate that we even condescend to speak to mere mortal fans such as those of the Kings or Wizards. No other organization in sports history has proven to be better equipped to accommodate a superstar than the Lakers.
So ,Laker haters prepare to resume your hate because weather you like it or not, we matter once again!
Gus Griffin, for War Room Sports
Tags: All's Fair in Sports and War, Gus Griffin, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal, War Room Sports, Wilt Chamberlain, WRS