We know in the NBA this is a players league and it is all about the superstars, their legacies, and narratives. Ever since June 19th, 2016, James has been compared to Michael Jordan in terms of the GOAT debate in every way possible. The way he walks, the way he talks, what he does on the court, what he does off the court, pretty much every antic James makes. When we talk about the GOAT debate, the ring argument is the casual fans favorite argument which Jordan has six to James’ four. If Davis is not available during the postseason that pretty much eliminates any aspirations of the Lakers hoisting their 18th banner and James getting his 5th ring. Regardless if Davis is with the Lakers or not in the postseason and the Lakers do not win the championship this will negatively impact LeBron’s legacy because no matter what the circumstances are, LeBron is expected to deliver. But here is the catch, James is currently the favorite to hoist his 5th MVP trophy which would tie Jordan in terms of regular season MVP’s and this is where Davis missing time can help LeBron lock up league MVP.

The Regular Season MVP award is all about narratives, and Davis missing time is just another narrative LeBron has on his side. The Lakers currently sit at the 2 seed of the Western Conference at 22-7 and James is averaging 25.7 PPG, 8.2 RBG, and 7.9 APG on 50.4% from the field and 38% from 3 point range and lets not forget to mention he has played all 29 games this year. James can stuff the stat sheet better than any player this league has ever seen and will always be a top MVP candidate and for the first time in a long time, James has many narratives on his side to help his case to win MVP. James is 36 years old in year 18 coming fresh off a Finals MVP after a 72 day turn around beginning the 2020-2021 season, so for James being this late in his career would be a remarkable achievement defeating father time. With Davis out of the line up for an extended period of time, this an opportunity for James to inflate his numbers even more than they are, increase his minutes and usage and he has to carry an even heavier load than he did with Davis by his side. If the Lakers can remain at the top of the Western Conference with Davis missing time behind James stuffing the stat sheet, that will be the icing on the cake for LeBron James to hoist his 5th MVP, in year 18, at age 36, and tie his idol with 5 MVP trophies.

What is going on with Kyrie Irving? He decides to leave his team for what reasons? Is Irving even worth all this drama? In the summer of 2019, Irving signed a 4 year, $136 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, and to say the least, this contract has not gone as planned with Irving only playing 20 games last year and now taking personal time away from his team.

There are absolutely no excuses for these actions by Irving deciding to take time away from his team unless there is a family matter he needs to take care of, the only thing that is more important than basketball is family and that is it! Having the privilege and god given talents to play in the league is a job, that millions of people dream to get an opportunity like that every day of their lives. It is not okay to step away from work just because you feel like it, there are many Americans who work 40+ hours a week who can’t afford to take off one day, a job way less fun, paid way less, and significantly more stressful all to provide and put food on the table for their families.

And now we have athletes who are getting paid hundreds of millions to play the game they love the most and feel they can take off as they please? I don’t think so, it comes off as greedy and unappreciative especially to those who would give up their lives to be in Kyrie’s shoes, being the starting Point Guard for the Brooklyn Nets getting paid over $36 million per year. I am all for players having power in terms of player movement, that is great for basketball and great for business, it is exciting and a reason the NBA is regarded as the most exciting off-season. But the actions of Irving, and any player who decides to take time off because they feel like it, is unacceptable. You get paid to play, not show up as you please.