There was a point early in the 2025-26 NBA season where the Los Angeles Lakers looked like a juggernaut. A 15-4 start to the year was made even more impressive since LeBron James wasn’t needed for a lot of that stretch.
But with the NBA Playoffs precisely two months away, the tune has changed quite a bit. The Lakers sit in 5th place in the Western Conference, the same margin away from being in the play-in tournament tan they are from the 3rd seed. There’s still a lot to be decided, but James’ potential final season with the Lakers has already been a success.
That’s because he recently notched a record-setting 22nd-consecutive All-Star Game selection. Despite having his worst season since he was a rookie, the 41-year-old is still contributing heavily for the Lakers. His contributions don’t seem to be enough for a real run at a championship, though, at least according to one of The King’s former teammates.
Iman Shumpert thinks a second round playoff exit is “more than a success” for Lakers
Iman Shumpert, who spent all four seasons with James in the latter’s second sting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, believes the Lakers’ ceiling is a second round playoff exit this posteason.
“I just don’t see the Lakers having a lot of pressure to have to win now. We don’t look at this roster and see anything dominating. We want to see LeBron, Luka [Doncic] and [Austin Reaves] play together… Nobody’s expecting a 41-year-old LeBron James to carry this team over the top.”
Shumpert might be right about the Lakers’ realistic expectations, but the franchise always has the goal of winning the championship; as does James. Anything can happen in the playoffs, but Shumpert sees an extremely tough road for James, Luka Doncic and co.
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