Amid LA’s struggles, James recently told the media that he’s at this level not just to play but to win the championship. He added that he still knows what he can bring to the table when the right pieces are around him.

Bill Simmons offered no sympathy for LeBron James’ plight. Here’s what he said on the “Bill Simmons podcast:”

LeBron James signed a two-year $97.1 million deal that made him the highest-paid player in NBA history. His career earnings in the NBA are now at a mind-boggling $532 million. The extension also means he’s ineligible for a trade this season as the second year of the contract bumps his pay by more than 5%.

If the 18x All-Star’s goal this season was to dethrone Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time scoring king, he could still do so as a Laker. He could then push for a trade to a team that will give him the best chance of winning his fifth NBA title.

Earlier in the season, he had bemoaned the lack of “lasers” on the LA Lakers. Recently, and short of calling out Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, James reiterated his goal of playing for a championship. He might have cut his options way short this season and the next one after he signed the extension.

LA Lakers desperately need both LeBron James and Anthony Davis to stay healthy

When either Anthony Davis or LeBron James are out, the LA Lakers’ roster deficiencies have been consistently exposed. They lack size and defensive identity if Davis sits out. Without AD over the last few weeks, the Lakers’ defense has fallen off the cliff.

James’ playmaking, shotmaking and presence have also been sorely missed every time he’s in street clothes. It seems like the Lakers’ playoff aspirations are over when one of them is out for whatever reason.

Without AD, James has been playing at an MVP level. The Lakers have also been running him into the ground just to win games. When AD eventually returns, LA will be hoping LeBron James’ wheels haven’t fallen off.

The Lakers play their best basketball when both players are healthy. They’ve beaten a few elite teams when James, Davis and Russell Westbrook are clicking. LA’s Big 3 better stay healthy to give themselves a chance of at least a play-in spot.

Here’s the full Bill Simmons podcast

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