Lakers supporters are aware of who will take LeBron James’ place in Los Angeles after he retires, and he is already a member of the team.
LeBron James’ tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining the team in 2018, LeBron has significantly impacted the Lakers both on and off the court. Not only did he help bring the Lakers their 17th NBA championship in 2020, but his leadership, basketball IQ, and work ethic have cemented him as one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history. As he continues to play at an exceptionally high level, the question on the minds of Lakers fans is: who will take his place when he retires? The answer, while speculative, could be closer than many think. It is widely believed that the Lakers have already begun the transition to life after LeBron James, and the key player to step into his role may already be on the roster.
In the world of professional sports, especially in a franchise as storied as the Lakers, finding a successor to a legend like LeBron James is no easy task. However, the Lakers have been strategic in assembling a roster that could transition seamlessly into the post-LeBron era. One player, in particular, has emerged as a potential candidate to take over the mantle: Anthony Davis.
LeBron’s Successor: Anthony Davis
LeBron James’ eventual retirement will mark the end of an era in Lakers history. But in the midst of this, there is a strong case to be made that the player who is best positioned to take the reins is Anthony Davis. As LeBron ages, Davis has already begun to emerge as the future cornerstone of the Lakers franchise.
Why Anthony Davis?
- Elite Talent and Potential
Anthony Davis has always been regarded as one of the most talented players in the NBA. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes him a dominant force on both ends of the court. Standing at 6’10” with a wingspan that seems to stretch endlessly, Davis has the ability to impact the game in ways that few players can. He is one of the league’s top defenders, earning multiple All-Defensive honors, and his offensive game is also among the best. Whether it’s scoring in the post, hitting mid-range shots, or stretching the floor with a respectable three-point shot, Davis has all the tools to be an elite offensive player as well.The Lakers were not just looking for a star player when they acquired Davis in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019; they were acquiring a player who could one day carry the franchise forward. And while Davis has been instrumental in the Lakers’ success over the last few years, including their 2020 championship run, it’s clear that he is poised to take over as the face of the franchise once LeBron departs.
- LeBron’s Trust in Davis
LeBron James himself has repeatedly spoken highly of Davis, often describing him as one of the best players in the world. The trust that LeBron has in Davis is a crucial factor in this transition. LeBron has acknowledged that, at some point, he would like to pass the torch to Davis. Given that LeBron has always taken pride in being a mentor to younger players and helping them grow into their full potential, it’s clear that he sees Davis as the future of the Lakers.In fact, during their first season together in 2019-2020, LeBron and Davis formed an almost unstoppable duo. LeBron’s playmaking and basketball intelligence paired with Davis’ ability to score and dominate defensively led the Lakers to their first title in a decade. As LeBron’s career winds down, it is highly probable that Davis will assume a leadership role both on the court and in the locker room.
- The Lakers’ Financial and Roster Flexibility
Another reason that Davis is a logical successor to LeBron James is the Lakers’ financial flexibility. When LeBron does retire, Davis will still be in the prime of his career, and the Lakers will have the financial space to build around him. Davis is signed to a long-term contract, with his current deal running through the 2024-2025 season, and the Lakers are likely to continue to build a championship-contending roster around him.The Lakers have also been careful in structuring their roster in a way that doesn’t rely entirely on LeBron. With Davis already established as a key figure, the Lakers have a core that could flourish in the absence of LeBron. The team has made a concerted effort to acquire players who complement Davis’ strengths, with a focus on defense, athleticism, and shooting. This approach will pay off in the post-LeBron era, where Davis can take on an even greater role as the centerpiece.
- Davis’ Leadership Development
One of the most crucial aspects of taking over from LeBron James is leadership. LeBron has not only been the best player on the Lakers but also their de facto leader. He has the ability to control the flow of the game, inspire teammates, and make clutch plays when it matters most. Davis is still in the process of developing into this kind of leader, but he has already shown glimpses of his potential.In recent years, Davis has taken on more leadership responsibilities. He has become more vocal in the locker room, and his confidence has grown. Although he’s never been known for being an outspoken figure, Davis’ influence on the court is undeniable. As he continues to mature, it is likely that his leadership will also evolve, making him the logical successor to LeBron as the face of the Lakers franchise.
- The Lakers’ Success With Davis as the Centerpiece
One of the most telling signs that Davis could be LeBron’s successor is the fact that the Lakers’ success has often coincided with Davis being the focal point of the team. During the 2020 season, the Lakers’ dominant defensive play was often spearheaded by Davis, and he was the primary reason the Lakers were able to win the championship in the NBA bubble.Since then, the Lakers have continued to build the team around Davis as the centerpiece. While LeBron has continued to be the driving force of the team, Davis has proven time and again that he is capable of leading the Lakers in big moments. Whether it’s hitting a clutch shot, dominating on defense, or carrying the team through difficult stretches, Davis has shown that he is prepared to step into the role of being the top player on a championship-caliber team.
The Role of Other Players and Future Lakers Stars
While Anthony Davis is the most likely candidate to take over as the Lakers’ centerpiece, there are other players on the roster who will also play significant roles in the post-LeBron era.
- Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves, who has emerged as a fan favorite for his hustle and scoring ability, is another player to keep an eye on. Reaves has proven to be a highly efficient player, capable of playing both on and off the ball. His versatility and ability to step up in key moments have made him a valuable asset to the Lakers. While Reaves might not be the immediate successor to LeBron, he is part of the younger core that could help carry the franchise forward. - D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell’s second stint with the Lakers has been a productive one, and while he’s not as young as some of the other players, he has the potential to be a key piece in the Lakers’ post-LeBron future. His shooting ability and playmaking skills make him a valuable asset alongside Davis, and if the Lakers are able to keep him long-term, he could evolve into a crucial contributor in the years to come. - Other Potential Additions
The Lakers have also been very strategic in their acquisition of other young talent and role players. As the team moves into the post-LeBron era, the Lakers will likely continue to surround Davis with players who complement his skill set. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Lakers have a strong history of bringing in key players who can contribute to the team’s success.
The Future of the Lakers Without LeBron James
The retirement of LeBron James will mark the end of an era for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the franchise is in a good position to continue competing for championships in the post-LeBron era. Anthony Davis stands out as the most likely successor to LeBron’s role as the face of the Lakers. With his elite talent, leadership development, and established role within the team, Davis is poised to lead the Lakers into the next chapter of their storied history.
While Davis will be the cornerstone, the Lakers’ future success will also depend on the continued development of young players like Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and other potential additions. The team’s management has done a good job of setting the franchise up for the future, and with Davis at the helm, the Lakers will remain a perennial contender in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Lakers’ future after LeBron James will not be defined by a single player, but rather by the collective efforts of a well-structured team. However, it is clear that Anthony Davis is primed to lead the Lakers into their next great era. With the right supporting cast and continued growth, Davis could very well become the next great legend in Lakers history.