NBA playoffs exciting as ever despite LeBron James’ absence

The NBA kingdom holding court without its king, Lebron James, in the playoffs is something many would have never envisioned. However, the 2019 playoffs have made the impossible real – James has missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005, his second season after being drafted out of high school.

James’ Lakers underachieved throughout the regular season and missed the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference. Unless James’ finds a loophole in his contract and demands a trade to the Rockets or 76ers in the next week, he will not be suiting up until at least October 2019. James’ absence is arguably the biggest story of the playoffs so far, but his void has been filled capably by exciting…