While James is likely to be the top scorer this season, it won't be enough to save the Lakers. At present, the Lakers have fallen out of the play-off zone, ranking 11th in the Western Conference record list, and there are still 2 wins between them and the 10th-ranked Spurs, from the current situation, the Lakers are almost impossible to complete the last minute counterattack into the playoffs.
According to a media forecast, the probability of the Pelicans entering the playoffs is 99%, the probability of the Spurs entering the playoffs is 88%, and the probability of the Lakers entering the playoffs is 11%. Many fans think that James is a player who can create various great miracles, and has previously won the championship with less than 3% probability, I believe that this time James can still create miracles and lead the team to the playoffs and playoffs. But now that the Lakers want to get into the playoffs, the initiative is no longer in James' hands. Even if the Lakers win all the next games, it will depend on whether the Spurs and Pelicans are strong or not.
Recently, Lakers celebrity Magician Johnson said in an interview with reporters that the Lakers should have entered the Western Conference Finals, and James should be responsible for this. The Magic believe that if the Lakers can get DeRozan last offseason, the Lakers will be able to reach the Western Conference Finals this season. The Magic said: "If you can get DeRozan, the Lakers have a chance to keep the role players, Caruso and Pop, they are both excellent defenders, they are all gone. That's why we've been defensively terrible this season. If we trade to DeRozan and then trade Kuzma for Hield, with the two of them, we can play the Western Conference this year. ”
The Magic believe that the Lakers failed to get DeRozan, and James should be held accountable. The Magic revealed that DeRozan originally joined the Lakers instead of the Bulls, but when James and Westbrook began to discuss the trade, the Lakers rejected the deal for DeRozan. There have been many rumors that James and Thick Brow are more inclined to get Westbrook. But I don't think it's reasonable to put the blame entirely on James, because it was the Lakers management who ultimately made the decision to trade, not James!
On the other hand, the Lakers have fallen to this point this season, and the fundamental question is not whether they get DeRozan or Westbrook. The Lakers' most fundamental problem this season is defense: not a problem of defense, but a problem of defense not defending. So far, James is still temporarily occupying the position of the league's scoring leader, but the plus-minus value is a bit difficult to say.
Even if DeRozan comes, in the current team atmosphere of the Lakers, he may not be willing to defend. It is said that Westbrook and James's style are not compatible, and they need to hold a lot of balls, which conflicts with James's playing style. But if Wei Shao is replaced by DeRozan, will this problem be solved? I don't think so! DeRozan's style is the mid-range after a lot of possession, and I am afraid that it is difficult to be satisfied around James!
If DeRozan had played around James, he would most likely not have a large number of chances to hold the ball. And DeRozan's attacking style, which is mainly from mid-range, has not been able to open up enough offensive space for James. DeRozan is also not as good at breaking through and quick counter-attacking as Wade. So I personally think that DeRozan's style of play may not be suitable for playing next to James!