“Don’t Have A Chance in Hell,” Channing Frye Criticizes Lakers Going Into Playoffs With LeBron James as Number 1 Option

Channing Frye explains why the Lakers' playoff hopes look bleak despite having a healthy LeBron James.

“Don’t Have A Chance in Hell,” Channing Frye Criticizes Lakers Going Into Playoffs With LeBron James as Number 1 Option

Channing Frye on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

The trade for Luka Doncic at the trade deadline last year was a sign that the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing themselves for the post-LeBron James era. It has worked out well so far with the Slovenian playing at an MVP level. And with the rise of Austin Reaves, James has seen himself as more of a third option for the Lakers this season.

James’ former teammate Channing Frye believes the Lakers have no chance in the playoffs if the 41-year-old is the number one option.

If LeBron goes all out in the first round you are beyond cooked in that second round. Because at 41 years old, 42 or whatever he is 57. You’re asking so much of him and he can be your third best player and you can win a series or two maybe. But him the number one, if he wins a series we got to stop having this conversation about who’s the greatest. Because right now the Lakers don’t have a chance in hell.

Channing Frye on Road Trippin’ Show

Channing Frye knows what it takes to win a championship. He won the title alongside LeBron James during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Frye has seen James up close and personal, he believes the Lakers have no shot at making any noise in the playoffs with the four-time champion as their primary scorer and playmaker.

The ball-handling and scoring duties were shouldered by Doncic. But after injuring his hamstring last week, Doncic has been ruled out for four to six weeks. To make matters worse, Reaves, who was having his breakout season, was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and is sidelined for the next few weeks as well.

The Lakers’ loss of their two primary scorers leaves just James to carry the burden when the playoffs begin. While James has scored over 25 points in his last two games, it is far from an ideal situation for the purple and gold heading into the postseason.

LeBron James on being the primary option

There is a reason LeBron James is widely regarded as the greatest player to ever play the game. He has carried teams to the NBA Finals for the majority of his career and has even adapted his game as he is playing third fiddle to Doncic and Reaves. But it looks like the Lakers will need the 41-year-old to rewind the clock after their two setbacks.

LeBron James has left people in awe
LeBron James (Image via Lakers Daily/X)

When asked about being the primary option once again, James said:

I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past. But obviously it wasn’t what it was this year so, circumstances have put me back in it. I’m just trying to feed off my teammates and my teammates feeding off of me. i’m just trying to make things happen for us 16 to stay up afloat.

LeBron James in his post-match media scrum

After losing Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers lost three straight games but have now bounced back with two straight wins. They have locked the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings heading into the final game of the regular season.

Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Houston Rockets in the first round

After the Houston Rockets suffered a 136-132 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers sealed fourth place in the Western Conference standings. It also meant that the Rockets were locked at fifth place as they are now one game behind the Lakers with just one game to go.

With the seedings in the West more or less finalized, it also means that the Lakers have been drawn against the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, with the Lakers securing the home advantage.

This is the first time LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be going head-to-head in the postseason since the 2018 NBA Finals. The Lakers lead 2-1 in the three games the two sides have clashed this season. A mouthwatering first round awaits the two teams.

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