How does this Lakers season affect LeBron James’ legacy?

With a résumé and list of accomplishments that have him entered into most G.O.A.T debates, many believe the legacy of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James can only be enhanced through more championships.

But after being discussed as one of the title favorites during the offseason, the Lakers’ season has gone from bad to worse through a myriad of injuries and unacceptable on-court issues.

How does this Lakers season affect LeBron James legacy?

After a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns where they gave up 140 points, the Lakers’ championship aspirations seem nothing short of a pipe dream at 29-39 (ninth in the Western Conference).

Despite the Lakers’ struggles, LeBron James, in year 19 and at 37 years of age, continues to display excellence as he battles Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the NBA’s scoring title.

So, is James’ individual brilliance enhancing his legacy despite the dreadful form of his team? Across the past four games, he’s tallied two 50-point games, a triple-double, and a 31-point, seven-rebound, six-assist performance in three quarters against the Suns.

In a team bereft of talent, particularly with Anthony Davis injured, James stands out like a sore thumb. Although his performances have often been breathtaking, his individual numbers are being inflated by the mediocrity of his teammates.

There’s no doubt he’d much rather have 25-30 points in team-balanced victories. The Lakers are simply not competitive unless he produces a nuclear, out-of-this-world performance.

But for all the admiration James’ individual game may deserve, we must also acknowledge his role as leader of the Lakers, and as one of, if not the main architect behind their subpar roster.

Speaking on The Lowe Post after the trade for Westbrook, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin discussed James’ push for Russell Westbrook.

"“My reporting (is) that certainly LeBron James was in favor of this Russ move over the Buddy Hield move”."

Perhaps more evidently, James’ defense has been poor, often lacking in effort and leadership. The Lakers are 17th in defensive rating, with James himself ranking last for Lakers players to average at least 22 minutes per game.

Against the Suns, there were multiple occasions where he refused to run back in transition, leaving his teammates in 4-v-5 situations. Is that to save his energy for the offensive side of the ball, or is it a sign of the demoralizing nature of this Lakers team? Both are factors, yet neither is a valid excuse.

While we can continue to be in awe of James’ performances, this isn’t a season he will remember fondly. Therefore we shouldn’t either, with this season doing little to drastically adjust his legacy in either direction.