LeBron James’
hopes for a fifth NBA title, in pursuit of chasing down Michael Jordan’s six
championships, were dashed on Thursday, with a 113-100 defeat in game six sealing
a humiliating 4-2 series loss for defending champions Los Angeles Lakers against
the Phoenix Suns.

James, the one
true rival to MJ’s ‘GOAT’ status in the NBA, has long aspired to match the six rings
collected by Jordan over his illustrious career. Two three-peat with the
Chicago Bulls and a whole host of individual accolades have put Jordan in a
league of his own.

At 31,
James won his third NBA ring, guiding the Cleveland Cavaliers to the title in
2016. His next crowning moment came in the pandemic-hit 2020 season, at the age
of 36. Other legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan have featured
in the ‘GOAT’ debate every now and then, but James’ fourth championship last
year, with a third different outfit, coupled with his scoring feats and longevity
have put him in the same bracket as Jordan.

Together
with co-star Anthony Davis, James was on course to add to his credentials this
year. However, the Suns capitalised on Davis’ injury-enforced absence to rout
the Lakers and take a series lead in game five. And with no firm commitment to
the future, the setback in game six might just be James’ last.

Davis was
ruled out following a strained groin that he picked up during the Lakers’
series-levelling defeat in game four at the Staples Center.

James led
the scoring in his partner’s absence in the next game, scoring 24 points and contributing
to seven assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes, but a poor showing from his
support cast left the Lakers needing two wins on the spin to extend their postseason.

“We’ve got
our ass kicked – it’s that simple,” James was quoted as saying by AFP in
summation of their 115-85 mauling. “We’ve got to be better if we want to force
a game seven. A lot to cover and see what we can do better in game six, but
they pretty much just kicked our ass, there’s nothing else really to say,” he
said.

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And James
once again was the pick of the Lakers players on Thursday, scoring 29 points and
contributing to nine rebounds and seven assists in 41 mins. But 24-year-old shooting guard Devin Booker stole his thunder, scoring 47 points with 11 rebounds and three
assists, to lead the Suns into the Western Conference semis. This is the first time in James’ career that he has been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. 

James
contract at the Lakers expires at the end of the season, with an option to extend
it for the 2021-22 season. And in all probability, James will be back in the
NBA, ready to take another shot at MJ’s credentials as well as furthering his ‘GOAT’
legacy.