To say that there are a lot of expectations in Los Angeles would be quite the understatement. Since the acquisition of LeBron James by the purple and gold, in a lot of ways, it's back to title or bust. While this is nothing new for the Lakers or their fans, it's safe to say that the quest for another title is back on track -- and considerably accelerated.
In a recent shooting contest, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Lance Stephenson, and Brandon Ingram squared off against Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Michael Beasley, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope -- according to the Los Angeles Times.
“We won,” Rondo said. “It was competitive. We were just having fun with a game, just get the competitive juices going at the end since we didn’t get the scrimmage, we did it as far as competition and shooting.”
New-look Lakers have first official practice
The only thing more exciting than acquiring LeBron James for a lot of fans is the chance to finally get to see him don the purple and gold out on the floor. While the preseason is still a few days away, the Lakers did participate in their first official practice on Tuesday, September 25.
LeBron James understands that patience is needed
LeBron James touched on what will be needed as this mix of young players and veteran talent come together to try to create a winning formula.
While it is very easy for fans (and even players) to get caught up in the hype, and while one's vision can easily be clouded by the promise of trophies and banners, it appears that LeBron James has adopted a very level-headed approach in terms of managing his new team and managing those expectations.
According to the Los Angeles Times, James said: “I’m not a very patient guy but I understand that I have to be patient right now.
I got to be patient with myself too because this is a new start for me. This is my first year here. This is my first year in the new system. I know how to play the game of Basketball but this is all new to me too. So I have to be patient with myself. Not only with my teammates, but more with myself.”
🎥 @KingJames shares this thoughts after his first practice as a Laker. pic.twitter.com/x2SavrkegS
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 25, 2018
This is definitely a LeBron that understands that climbing to the top of the mountain can take time, especially with a completely new team.
As great as James is individually and statistically, the Lakers have not been to the top of the mountain since the Kobe era. If LeBron wants to add to his legacy, bringing this team to the NBA Finals is a good place to start. Patience will definitely be needed as all the new players try to gel and become a cohesive unit, and LeBron James certainly seems to understand that.