- Teams around the NBA are still talking about LeBron James' move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Teams in the Eastern Conference have acknowledged that their paths forward are easier with James out of the way, while teams in the West have accepted that the conference just got tougher.
- James' Lakers will also have a tougher time getting into the playoffs because of the crowded Western Conference, but most expect them to do it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nearly 3 months later, the biggest topic around the NBA is LeBron James' move to the Lakers and how it's changed the league
LeBron James' reign in the Eastern Conference is over. Now, teams in the East are talking about their easier path forward, while teams in the West know the conference just got tougher for everyone.
With the NBA season around the corner and teams reporting for media days and training camps this week, it appears one topic is still buzzing around the league — LeBron James' move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
It's been nearly three months since James changed conferences, but around the league, there's still great interest into how that move will play out. In part, that's because of the odd team that's been assembled around James — a mix of young players and journeymen supporting cast.
However, it is also rare to see a superstar of James' magnitude change conferences. James ruled the Eastern Conference for eight years, making the Finals from 2011 to 2018. He was the most consistent force in the league. Now, his departure (or arrival, depending on your vantage point) is set to cause a shake-up in the league.
ADVERTISEMENT
For instance, Eastern Conference teams are already thinking about the new opportunity that awaits them. Indiana Pacers head coach Nate McMillan described the need for a new face in the East.
Related content
Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks seems refreshed.
Brooks on LeBron to LA: #emo#It... @ Fred Katz
In a Players' Tribune conversation between Denver Nuggets point guard Isaiah Thomas and Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz, the two players even discussed how the East was now wide open.
ADVERTISEMENT
"With LeBron coming west, that opens up opportunity for other teams," Thomas said.
"Yeah, for sure, it opens up a lot," Fultz agreed.
Even some teams in the Western Conference acknowledged their new member.
"I was surprised because I ... @ Dwain Price
Of course, James' Lakers team will have their hands full competing in what many consider to be the superior conference. Last season, the Nuggets missed the playoffs at 46-36. This year, the competition only figures to be tougher.
ADVERTISEMENT
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard told The Athletic's Sam Amick that the move might be tougher for James, too, not just other teams.
Warriors forward Andre Iguo... @ Marc J. Spears
Most in the NBA expect the Lakers to make the playoffs, even if they might not have a clear road to the Finals as James' Cavs teams did.
However, former Cavs forward Richard Jefferson told The New York Times' Marc Stein that people might be underestimating just how good James can make the Lakers.
"When he went back to Cleveland, I promise you he didn't go there thinking, 'OK, it's time to go to four straight NBA finals,'" Jefferson told Stein. "But would anyone really be surprised if the Lakers made the conference finals? He's that good. Any time LeBron steps on the court, he's the best player on the court. There's a bigger gap than I think many people would really believe."
ADVERTISEMENT
It's a testament to James' power that virtually the entire league can shift based on which team he plays for.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT