Why LeBron has been shockingly unsuccessful as a Laker … why Belichick has desperately gone over the edge with his girlfriend … Sheduer collusion … Lakers tired of Luka.

LeBron James, without a doubt, remains one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. His career achievements, which include four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and numerous accolades, have solidified his place in NBA history. However, when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, expectations were sky-high. The Lakers were in desperate need of a superstar to restore their former glory, and many saw LeBron as the missing piece to guide the Lakers back to championship contention.
Fast forward to 2025, and LeBron’s tenure with the Lakers has been far from the seamless, championship-laden story that fans and pundits envisioned. While he has delivered on an individual level—posting impressive stats year after year—the team has faced numerous obstacles that have prevented the Lakers from reaching the heights many expected. The Lakers’ struggles under LeBron’s leadership have been perplexing, especially considering his ability to elevate nearly every team he’s been a part of.
In this article, we’ll examine the reasons why LeBron James has been shockingly unsuccessful in his mission to revitalize the Lakers, from the team’s roster construction and management issues to external factors like injuries and internal dynamics. We’ll also discuss what the future holds for LeBron and whether his time in Los Angeles will ultimately be viewed as a success or a disappointment.
1. The Lakers’ Lack of Consistency and Roster Construction
One of the primary reasons LeBron’s tenure with the Lakers has been less successful than anticipated is the team’s inability to consistently put the right pieces around him. When LeBron first signed with the Lakers in 2018, the team was in a rebuilding phase, and the front office had the difficult task of trying to surround him with the right mix of veterans and young talent. The Lakers made the bold move of trading for Anthony Davis in 2019, hoping to pair LeBron with another superstar to form a championship-caliber duo.
While the LeBron-Davis pairing initially showed promise, the Lakers’ roster has often been inconsistent. The 2020 championship was undoubtedly a high point in LeBron’s tenure in Los Angeles, but since then, the team has faced major hurdles. Injuries to key players like Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and other roster issues have derailed the Lakers’ efforts to contend. Moreover, the Lakers’ front office has failed to provide LeBron with enough shooting and depth to complement his playing style. The team has been plagued by poor roster decisions, such as the trade for Russell Westbrook, which failed to produce the expected results.
The Westbrook experiment highlighted a key problem: the Lakers were often forced to put together mismatched lineups to make the pieces work. Westbrook, a former MVP, didn’t fit well alongside LeBron, and his inability to space the floor with consistent shooting was a glaring issue. Despite LeBron’s ability to elevate players, the team’s lack of shooting, depth, and balance has often left him in difficult situations.
Another roster problem has been the Lakers’ inability to maintain a cohesive supporting cast. The team has seen frequent turnover in the supporting roles, with players like Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram being traded away for immediate help, but often leaving the team without long-term stability. This lack of continuity has hampered LeBron’s ability to build chemistry with his teammates and left the team scrambling for balance and synergy.
2. Injuries and Age: The Natural Decline
LeBron James has defied the natural aging curve for much of his career, maintaining an elite level of play well into his late 30s. However, father time inevitably catches up with everyone, and the wear and tear of nearly two decades of basketball has started to show. The injuries to both LeBron and Anthony Davis have been a constant issue throughout LeBron’s time in Los Angeles.
LeBron missed significant time due to injuries in the 2021-2022 season, and even in 2023-2024, he dealt with lingering injuries that limited his ability to perform at the level he’s accustomed to. While he still remains one of the most dominant players in the league, his ability to consistently carry the team has been compromised by these injuries. As he gets older, the Lakers’ reliance on him to carry the team night in and night out becomes more difficult, especially when combined with the lack of depth and support around him.
Moreover, the aging process has impacted his physicality, which has always been one of his defining traits. LeBron’s ability to get to the basket and dominate in transition has been slightly diminished, making him more reliant on his jump shot. His shot, while still effective, is not the same as it was in his prime, and opposing teams have begun to exploit this.
3. The Front Office’s Inconsistent Decision-Making
Another major factor contributing to LeBron’s struggles with the Lakers has been the inconsistency of the front office. The Lakers’ front office, under the leadership of Rob Pelinka, has often been criticized for its questionable decisions, from the Russell Westbrook trade to the mishandling of valuable draft assets. In contrast, other teams around the league have found success by building smart, sustainable rosters.
The Lakers have taken a win-now approach, which is understandable given the presence of LeBron, but the team’s front office has frequently failed to provide the necessary tools for success. While they have made moves to acquire superstar talent, such as the addition of Davis, their overall strategy has lacked cohesion. The Westbrook trade, for example, was a desperate move to pair LeBron with another star, but the fit was a disaster, and it cost the Lakers valuable future assets.
This decision-making has left the Lakers in a position where they have been unable to build a well-rounded, balanced roster. Even in recent years, when LeBron’s individual play has remained strong, the lack of roster stability has prevented the Lakers from putting together a consistent, high-quality team. Without a deep and complementary roster, LeBron has struggled to carry the team to the level of success expected.
4. Lack of Identity and Coaching Instability
Despite LeBron’s individual brilliance, the Lakers have also struggled to find a consistent identity under coach Darvin Ham. The Lakers’ coaching staff has been under pressure to develop a system that maximizes LeBron’s strengths while finding ways to incorporate Davis and the rest of the roster. Unfortunately, this has proven difficult, as the Lakers have often struggled with their offensive and defensive schemes.
LeBron thrives in a system where he can facilitate, push the pace, and involve his teammates in the offense. However, the Lakers have not fully committed to playing to LeBron’s strengths, and this lack of identity has been a major issue. The team has been caught between trying to integrate LeBron’s style of play with a defensive-oriented scheme and build a team around Anthony Davis as the focal point. This conflict has left the Lakers lacking the consistency and synergy that is vital to a championship-contending team.
5. External Factors: Off-Court Drama and Internal Friction
The Los Angeles Lakers are a marquee team in the NBA, and as such, they attract attention both on and off the court. LeBron, being one of the most famous athletes in the world, often finds himself at the center of media scrutiny. This external pressure has only intensified the challenges he faces as the face of the Lakers. There have been instances of off-court drama and distractions that have clouded the team’s focus and chemistry.
Moreover, LeBron’s role in the team’s dynamics has sometimes been questioned. While he is undoubtedly the leader, his presence has led to the development of internal friction, especially as younger players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell try to carve out their roles. Some have speculated that the Lakers may have to choose between LeBron and other emerging stars, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. While LeBron remains one of the best players in the world, his influence on the Lakers’ roster decisions has sometimes worked against the team, as he’s been involved in lopsided trades that have hurt the Lakers in the long run.
Why Bill Belichick Has Gone Over the Edge: A Love Story of Desperation
Switching gears from the Lakers, there’s a different story brewing in the NFL, particularly surrounding Bill Belichick. The legendary head coach of the New England Patriots, who has won six Super Bowls and created one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, is now facing the reality of a rebuilding franchise. Belichick’s decision to bring his girlfriend into the fold of the Patriots organization has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether it signals a desperation move.
After years of success with Tom Brady, Belichick has been struggling without his long-time quarterback. While his ability to coach is unquestioned, the Patriots have been stuck in mediocrity in recent years. As Belichick looks to recapture his glory days, it’s possible that his relationship with his girlfriend is a sign of a coach grasping at whatever straws are left. Some fans and analysts believe that Belichick’s personal life may be seeping into his professional decision-making, leading to strange moves and a lack of focus on football.
Shedeur Sanders Collusion?
The Shedeur Sanders saga in college football continues to spark rumors, particularly about potential collusion involving his recruitment or transfer. As a star at Jackson State and now with Colorado, Sanders has drawn attention not just for his on-field play but for his connections and the power moves that are being made behind the scenes. While there is no concrete evidence of collusion, whispers about orchestrated moves and financial deals surrounding Sanders’ rise are starting to grow louder.
Lakers Tired of Luka?
Finally, rumors have begun to circulate that the Los Angeles Lakers might be tired of pursuing Luka Dončić as a potential future star. While the Luka-to-Lakers speculation has been a topic of conversation for years, the Lakers may have finally realized that Luka’s talents may not align with their current goals. With LeBron aging and the team in a state of transition, the Lakers may shift focus toward younger, more complementary stars to build around Davis.