NBA news: Can LeBron James’ Lakers go all the way in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
As the 2025 NBA Playoffs tip off, one of the most intriguing storylines is whether LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have what it takes to make another deep postseason run.
Despite a regular season filled with ups and downs, this team may be peaking at the right time - with a revitalised roster and a healthy King James leading the charge.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo analyses James’ influence in the remainder of the season for the LA Lakers.
A new identity built on experience and star power
The Lakers, now the third seed in the Western Conference, are not the same team that started the season.
A dramatic midseason trade brought in Luka Doncic, forming a powerful partnership with LeBron James.
That move shifted the team’s identity and injected fresh playmaking and veteran leadership into the mix.
Though injuries - most notably to Anthony Davis - have raised concerns, Los Angeles have managed to stabilise.
Emerging talent like Austin Reaves has stepped into the spotlight, while Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura have provided reliable frontcourt depth.
The roster may not be the deepest in the playoffs, but its top-tier talent can rival anyone.
The first test: Timberwolves await
In the first round, the Lakers will face off against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves
Led by rising superstar Anthony Edwards, the Wolves bring playoff experience to the table, but they’ve regressed slightly since their conference finals appearance last year.
Still, this is no cakewalk for L.A. The Timberwolves are scrappy, and Edwards is the type of player who can swing a series.
But the Lakers have already proven they can dismantle higher seeds - most notably with a recent blowout win over the No. 2 Houston Rockets.
If Los Angeles can get past Minnesota, a path through Houston and potentially Oklahoma City starts to look surprisingly manageable.
LeBron’s legacy and health: The X-Factors
At 40 years old, LeBron James remains one of the most impactful players in the league.
A 21-time All-Star and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he continues to defy Father Time.
This season, James appeared in 70 games, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting over 51% from the field.
He did suffer a left groin injury late in the season that sidelined him for seven games, but his return has been seamless - and crucially, the Lakers earned a full week of rest by avoiding the play-in tournament.
A rested LeBron is a dangerous LeBron, and some basketball legends are taking notice.
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Dwight Howard’s bold prediction
Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, who won a championship with James and the Lakers in 2020, has made his pick for this year’s Finals - and it’s a bold one.
He sees Los Angeles not only making it to the championship round but beating the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure LeBron’s fifth ring.
“The Lakers scare me,” Howard said in an interview, “If LeBron [James] is healthy in the playoffs, it’s going to be tough for teams to beat them in a seven-game series.
“The Luka trade really took them over the top. I see them making a deep run.”
Howard also praised head coach JJ Redick for maintaining a focused and disciplined atmosphere throughout the season, even with the pressure that comes from coaching a team filled with big names and even bigger expectations.
A real shot at glory
The road to the NBA Finals is never easy, especially in a Western Conference stacked with young talent and hungry teams.
But the Lakers, backed by the brilliance of James and Doncic, are far from your average contender. They’ve got experience, star power, and something to prove.
If health remains on their side - and if their stars can continue to elevate in crunch time - don’t be surprised if the purple and gold are still standing when the confetti falls in June.
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