Byron Scott Wants LeBron James Off Lakers After Recent 3-Game Skid

LeBron James has become an afterthought on the Los Angeles Lakers as they struggle to a wildly inconsistent month.

Byron Scott Wants LeBron James Off Lakers After Recent 3-Game Skid

Byron Scott and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Byron Scott believes LeBron James should leave the Lakers after this season.
  • Shannon Sharpe argues that the Lakers' issues extend beyond LeBron, pointing to Luka Doncic as a problem.
  • LeBron's future with the Lakers hinges on the team's performance for the remainder of the season.

With every passing game, LeBron James‘ time with the Los Angeles Lakers looks bleak. Not only has the team clearly made him a third option, but they have made it clear their focus is on Luka Doncic.

The franchise could not be faulted for that line of thought, as no professional basketball team would focus on a 41-year-old who might not play beyond next season.

Moreover, even if a team were to make him the focal point of attack, the aging superstar’s endurance will become a factor, something he too would not want to risk.

Then, after franchise governor Jeanie Buss‘ ‘alleged’ disappointment with James became public knowledge, there is a growing belief that the four-time champion will end his career elsewhere. But for Byron Scott, he wants the “King” to leave as soon as possible.

Like I said, I’m a fan, but I don’t mince words either. I think this should be his last year here. Not in the NBA, just here. You don’t got to go home, but you got to get the hell up out of here.

Byron Scott said

This was the three-time champion’s response when Brown Bag Mornings on Power 106 Los Angeles’ host asked him whether the latter wanted LeBron James out of their team.

The 64-year-old’s answer, which led to a resounding round of laughter, indicates that he would not mind that the all-time leading scorer departs Los Angeles. Scott said that despite reiterating the fact that he is the King’s fan.

Shannon Sharpe points out how LeBron James is not the problem

Even though Byron Scott joined a long line of critics demanding that LeBron James leave the Los Angeles Lakers, recent criticisms have pointed towards Luka Doncic.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, a staunch defender of the four-time league MVP’s legacy, went on NightCap to talk about the reality facing the purple and gold franchise.

They’re a bad basketball team. I know everybody say LeBron needs to leave. But if you think LeBron leaving and they load up on the backcourt with Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, if you think the Lakers are a championship-contending team?… They’re not a championship team with LeBron, they won’t be one without LeBron.

Shannon Sharpe said

The 57-year-old believes that no matter what critics say, there is no taking away from the fact that the Lakers are not going to reach their goal with or without LeBron James.

Their current playing style is not focused on maximizing the entire roster’s capability, and that will not help them, especially when they go up against strong opponents.

Sharpe believes that, instead, it is Doncic who is the root of the problem, and unless he somehow stops his antics against officials and plays in a way that brings out the best from his teammates, there is no way the Lakers can win titles.

LeBron James’ future depends on how Lakers perform in rest of the season

No matter how wildly critical Byron Scott becomes or how passionately Shannon Sharpe defends LeBron James, his future with the Los Angeles Lakers depends on what he wants.

Lakers' results could determine LeBron James' future
Lakers’ results could determine LeBron James’ future (Image via Underdog/X)

By now, there is no doubt that he will play at least one more season. However, where he plays will depend on how his team performs in the rest of the season.

After their three-game skid, there is no doubt that the team needs to rethink how they are performing. If these losses force them to change their ways and get back to winning basketball games, then the Akron native’s opinion could change.

But if they continue on this inconsistent run that started after James debuted after sitting a month out due to injury, he could think of leaving, knowing that the media will try to paint him as the reason for their struggles.

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