The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2023-24 NBA season with a first-round exit in the postseason. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets took care of business in just five games as they eliminated the Lakers in back-to-back seasons.
As a result, the Purple and Gold are expected to make some big moves in the offseason to bolster the roster. After all, LeBron James is in the twilight years of his career, and the Lakers championship window is closing.
L.A. is expected to engage in trade talks with multiple teams, but one squad that will remain off the radar is none other than the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls apparently have no interest in trading with the 17-time champions to avoid helping LBJ in his quest to catch Michael Jordan .
“I think their owner doesn't want LeBron infringing upon like Michael's Legacy,” Eric Pincus said . “... They're just not going to help LeBron.”
Pincus claimed that Los Angeles should have gotten players like Andre Drummond and Alex Caruso in potential trades with Chicago. However, the analyst believes Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf is uninterested in helping 'The King' in any manner.
Jordan left an unforgettable legacy in Chicago
MJ won six NBA Championships during his illustrious career. The Bulls legend has been praised numerous times for being 6-0 in the Finals when donning the red and black jersey.
When you combine Jordan’s other accolades during his Bulls career, it comes as no surprise that he is regarded as the GOAT by most NBA fans. However, if there is one player who has been consistently mentioned in the 'Greatest Of All Time' discussion, it’s none other than LeBron.
LBJ won the fourth ring of his career in 2020 by leading the Lakers to a stunning postseason run. However, since then, James has failed to repeat the same level of success for various reasons.
Getting key supporting cast pieces from teams like the Bulls could have helped Bron not only match Jordan’s legacy but, one day, surpass him as the GOAT. However, in Pincus’ opinion, Chicago is uninterested in helping James reach Michael's level.
Can James still win more rings?
The Lakers superstar has undoubtedly enjoyed a great NBA career. Even at 39, LeBron remains one of the top players in the league during the 2023-24 NBA season. Considering he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game for the Purple and Gold last season while playing 71 games, LBJ still has a lot of gas left in the tank.
James can realistically win at least one more NBA Championship before retiring from the league. However, it will only be possible if the Lakers manage to get him some much-needed help in the coaching department ahead of the 2024-25 season.
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