Los Angeles Lakers: Five takeaways from the first five games
By Jason Reed
![PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8b77389f3fb3b83cdb46dde131b6de58a83f5a0c7c00e6e5c3b029b55e3f8e42.jpg)
5. LeBron James is playing with something to prove
LeBron James signing a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers was no surprise this offseason. James had been connected to the Lakers for over a year at that point and the move made sense for James’ life.
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Not only does he get to move his family to LA, where they usually reside in the offseason, but it opens so many doors for James’ career outside and after the NBA.
Heck, Space Jam 2 has finally been made official just a short time after James came to Los Angeles. This is at the same time in which Smallfoot hit theaters, the animated Warner Bros movies that James lends his voice to.
There is no doubt that James wants to win on the Los Angeles Lakers. Winning at least two more rings would at least tie him with Kobe Bryant and winning Championships on three different teams significantly helps his GOAT odds.
However, with the team failing to bring in a second superstar this summer and instead opt for cap space next summer, many questioned whether or not this would be an off-year for LeBron. Coming off the biggest workload of his career, it wouldn’t be surprising if James wanted to miss half the games with an “ankle injury”.
Just through five games, you can tell that James has something to prove in his first year of LA. Not only is he serving as the leader of this team, but he also seems very invested and won’t let the Golden State Warriors derail his hopes of Championship number four.
Next. Potential trade targets to help weaknesses. dark
Whether he is playing for a ring this year or is playing for an MVP to prove that he is still the best basketball player on the planet, he is obviously playing for something to prove.