When LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers during the summer of 2018, many around the NBA expected an immediate return to glory for the 16-time champions. The inaugural year of the James-led Lakers didn’t go according to plan, however.
The front office flipped the switch ahead of the James’ second season in L.A., going all-in by parting with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and multiple draft picks in a trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.
The franchise hasn’t made a postseason appearance since 2013 but is less than one week out from making their return, as the top seed in the Western Conference.