The Los Angeles Lakers may face a playoff dilemma when it comes to utilizing LeBron James.
NBA insider Brett Siegel participated in the latest episode of Clutch Scoops with Tomer Azrali on March 12. Los Angeles seems to be playing better without James, but Siegel argues they still need him to play to have a chance. The insider states this but in no way gives them a chance to win the first round series.
"You can't play with LeBron. I think you're a better team without him, but he's going to have to play for this team to stay in title contention. It's not going to happen, they're not a title contending team, but in that fantasy world a lot of Lakers fans want to live in, for this team to potentially win in the playoffs, you need LeBron next to Luka and Austin Reaves. And when you have that, you see what happens. They Not good defensively, ball movement is kind of stagnant, you have five guys lined up,” Siegel said at the 39:43 mark.
"I think their record is overstated. I think it's a lot better than the team actually is. And I think we'll see it when they get into a first-round series. I feel very confident in saying that they won't win a first-round series."
What's next for LeBron James, Lakers
The Lakers are 26-18 with James this season and 14-7 without him. Whether his style of play looks better or not, there is no doubt that James will be active in the rotation come the playoffs.
Los Angeles has a record of 40–25 on the season, finishing in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, while trailing the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers remain at home awaiting their next matchup. They will host the Chicago Bulls on March 12 at 10:30 PM ET.
