In the eyes of Lance Stephenson, he and the 2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers were bound to win the NBA title until unfortunate injuries took place within their camp.
“If certain guys don’t hurt that year, we woulda won it,” Stephenson told Bally Sports’ Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson during And 1’s Open Run at Kingdome in Harlem, New York City. “LeBron got hurt that year with his groin, Kuzma got hurt. A lot of guys got hurt, I feel like we would’ve won it that year.”
For context, the Lakers missed the said season’s playoff stage with a 37-45 card.
But in their first 34 games of the 2018-19 regular season, Los Angeles was doing well and exceeding expectations under the lead of the four-time MVP. They carved a 20-14 record up until James hurt his groin in an emphatic Christmas Day win against the Golden State Warriors.
The said injury ultimately shut down the franchise’s postseason hopes that year.
James eventually played 55 games only and Brandon Ingram was just limited to 52. Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo, who were another significant element for the Lakers due to their floor command, were only available for 47 and 46 occasions, respectively.
Albeit a disappointing finish, James’ first year donning a purple and gold uniform has carved an enticing impression on many fans given the club’s compelling mixture of young talent and veteran presence that year.
As such, the failure of that year ultimately served as a stepping stone for both James and the Lakers to commit towards a bold move by trading for Anthony Davis, and the rest was just history in the following season.
