LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers committed to a process over the next few years together. Typically speaking, teams that employ James tend to rely heavily on veteran role players who fit around him. Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and the rest of the front office went in a different direction that — if it works out — gives them the chance at being special.
It has required patience to this point and will demand even more moving forward. But patience might be a luxury neither the Lakers nor James can afford.