Deeper into the regular season, quite a few teams are in trouble. Like the Philadelphia 76ers, after a wave of four consecutive losses, they fell directly from third to fifth in the East. Compared with other championship contenders, the 76ers obviously don't have much advantage in the lineup, with only Embiid as an All-Star. Embiid has yet to prove himself in the playoffs, which makes the 76ers' prospects look less promising. With Embiid alone, even if he enters the playoffs, it will be difficult to go far.
The Miami Heat have also had a rough time. As last season's Eastern Conference champion and the creator of the Black Eight Miracle, the Heat have had a mediocre performance this season and have recently suffered a wave of seven consecutive defeats. This has to do with their lack of presence in the league.
In the West, the Golden State Warriors have only won 3 and lost 6 of their last 9 games. Although Curry's hand is gradually improving, the Warriors' overall efficiency is still not satisfactory. They are still embroiled in trade rumors, and the possibility of roster changes is always there. As of now, the Warriors have a 20-24 record and are fourth in the West.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who are also difficult brothers in the West, have also struggled recently, with a 24-25 record and 9th place. Although James' personal ability is still at a high level, the Lakers' overall state is unstable, with fewer wins, and the situation is more serious.
"We can beat any team in any game and we can be beaten by any team in any game," James said. "The Lakers' win rate has also fallen below 50, and the record is not optimistic.
When it comes to James, despite a slight dip in points per game this season, the offensive efficiency is higher. James averaged 24 points per game9 points, 7 rebounds5, 7 assists7 times, shooting 52 from the field and 39 from three-point range7, setting the second-highest three-point shooting percentage of his career. Last season, he surpassed NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. This season, James is on the verge of another important record, with a career total of more than 40,000 points, just 253 points shy of the mark.
Lao Zhan's "411 achievement" is about to be realized, which requires players to not only have a super performance in scoring, but also to make significant achievements in rebounding and assists. Aside from James, no active player has reached this level. Considering that he is 39 years old, being able to achieve such a great performance is a testament to his outstanding contribution and all-round ability in his career.
Although James is still at a high level, his physical and defensive abilities have declined recently. In the Lakers' three consecutive away games, James played longer minutes and his physical energy was gradually depleted. The Lakers face quite a challenge if they want to rush to the top of the West. James had to endure more physical exertion while constantly playing, which made the situation more difficult for the Lakers.
The Lakers' record has fluctuated greatly in recent games, and the outcome has been uncertain. Although James' individual performance is still excellent, the Lakers as a whole seem to lack consistency. You can beat any opponent in one game, but you can also lose in the next game. Such volatility makes it difficult for the Lakers to take a strong position in the Western Conference competition.
For the Lakers, the season's trajectory has been a source of confusion for fans and commentators alike. Some argue that the Lakers have enough quality and experience to be competitive in the playoffs and even have a chance to compete for a championship. There have also been concerns about the Lakers' instability and roster depth, believing they could have trouble against some stronger opponents.
Despite James' individual performances, his scores, rebounds, and assists remain at a high level, he has also had to deal with the effects of age and a gradual decline in fitness. The Lakers need more players to step up in key moments and share responsibilities to keep the team stable and competitive.
Whether the Lakers can go far this season depends on the team's overall performance and performance in the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, James will be a unique presence in NBA history, setting a number of impressive records and becoming a legend.
Fans are looking forward to the future of the Lakers, expecting them to be competitive in the playoffs and bring more exciting games to fans. At this critical juncture, the Lakers need to work together as a whole, overcome difficulties, and work hard to achieve higher goals.