Expectations are high for the Los Angeles Lakers next season after they signed superstar LeBron James to a four-year free-agent deal worth $154 million.
Fox Sports NBA analyst Chris Broussard is one of those expecting great things from both the Lakers and James in the coming season. Broussard, in an interview with The Herd with Colin Cowherd, said he expects James to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy.
Also, Broussard said he expects the Lakers to amass 53 wins in the regular season after missing the playoffs in the last five seasons.
"This is my prediction for next season, 53 wins and LeBron is the MVP," Broussard tells Cowherd's program. Explaining his belief, Broussard said the NBA hasn't seen James' decline despite playing 15 seasons in the NBA.
"We haven't seen decline. Last year was arguably his best offensive season of all time or his best season. But in his third year, it's a three-year plan, how good is he going to be in the third year?" said Broussard.
LeBron Hasn't Won MVP Since 2012-13 Season
While James has been a contender for the MVP trophy in the past seasons, he hasn't won the hardware since the 2012-13 season. He won back-to-back MVPs in 2012 and 2013 to go with his NBA rings with the Miami Heat. James also won back-to-back MVPs in 2009 and 2010.
Last season, James was a finalist for the MVP trophy, but Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden beat him to it. Harden garnered 86 first-place votes while James was second with 15 first-place votes. Last season, James averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in 82 games.
According to Broussard, James might take advance of the season where the Lakers are not considered title contenders to win his fifth MVP trophy.
Broussard believes that James has more left in his tank and could lift the Lakers to a title. However, Broussard said it will depend on the next moves that the Lakers will make in James' second season.
Lakers Hoping To Get Kawhi Leonard From Spurs
The Lakers are hoping that they could trade for disgruntled superstar Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Spurs want some of the Lakers' key players in exchange for Leonard. Among them are Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and a first-round pick.
However, David Aldridge of TNT reported that the Lakers will be assured of acquiring one of the superstars who will become unrestricted free agents next summer. Aside from Leonard, Klay Thompson and Kemba Walker will also become free agents next summer.
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