The Lakers have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support LeBron James during his tenure in Los Angeles, aiming

The Lakers have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support LeBron James during his tenure in Los Angeles, aiming to bolster his legacy and improve his much-criticized Finals record. Since arriving in 2018, the franchise gave him everything: control over roster moves, star teammates like Anthony Davis in his prime, and most recently, a generational talent in Luka Dončić. Despite this high level of support, LeBron has only managed to win one championship with the Lakers — the 2020 title inside the NBA Bubble.

While a ring is a ring, critics often argue that the “Bubble Championship” lacked the same competitive intensity and external pressures of a normal NBA season, leading many to dub it a “Mickey Mouse ring.” With eight seasons in Los Angeles, the expectation was at least another title or two, especially with the caliber of teammates and resources at his disposal. Yet, in key playoff moments, LeBron has struggled to rise above. Whether it’s fatigue, age, or simply being outplayed, the consistent narrative has been that LeBron often comes up short in the biggest games — despite the talent around him.

At this point, it’s fair to question whether the Lakers’ massive investment has truly paid off. Championships are the ultimate measure of success in L.A., and with just one to show for nearly a decade, some might argue that LeBron has underdelivered — and even with help, continues to fall short when it matters most.