Why LeBron and the Lakers will miss the playoffs this season

I know they have a lot of games left, and I hate to be a prisoner of the moment, but barring any trades, the 2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers will miss the playoffs in the Western Conference, and LeBron James will miss the playoffs for the first time since his second year in the league.

Here’s why:

When LeBron James went to Miami in 2010, he had two stars with him in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Ultimately, James would win two championships with the Heat. When James returned to Cleveland four years later, he had a star waiting for him in Kyrie Irving, and then Cleveland acquired another star in Kevin Love, which helped LeBron win a championship with the Cavaliers.

With the Lakers, it’s just LeBron, and a few guys we hope can be stars. Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma,  Josh Hart, and Lonzo Ball all have talent, but at this point, the jury is still out on whether they will be stars. Los Angeles brought in veterans like Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee. These guys have been in winning situations, but at this point in their careers, they are not difference makers.

Furthermore, James had his most success when he had point guards who could shoot. Mo Williams in Cleveland(first time), Mario Chalmers in Miami, and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland(LeBron’s return to Cleveland). He does not have that in Los Angeles. Rondo and Ball are not great shooters. Therefore, that could have a negative impact on the LeBron and the Lakers.

Finally, the Lakers are in the Western Conference. The following eight teams in the West are better than the Lakers in no particular order: Warriors, Rockets, Jazz, Thunder, Pelicans, Blazers, Nuggets, and Spurs. And if Minnesota can keep Jimmy Butler happy, the Timberwolves are better as well.

At 33 and soon to be 34,  how many great years does LeBron have left? Who knows, but this year could be a waste of one of those years.

In the end, it took 47 wins to make the playoffs as the 8th seed in the Western Conference last season. Barring any trades, can the Lakers win 47 games or more? You be the judge…