CGTN Sports Talk: Is the era of LeBron James over?

CGTN Sports Talk EP64 LeBron James.mp3

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The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers were one of the eight teams knocked out in the first round of the NBA playoffs this season. It is the first time LeBron James has failed to advance past the first round of the postseason in his 15 playoff appearances.

James, 36, hit a career low in games played in the regular season, average points and free throw attempts in the playoffs. Having been haunted by a high ankle sprain for half of the season, James could not carry the team like he did in the past.

Are we looking at the end of his era?

LeBron James (#23) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives toward the rim in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 3, 2021. /CFP

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers sits along the court in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center, June 3, 2021. /CFP

Host: Li Xiang

Guest: Matthew Watson

Cover designer: Feng Yuan

Chief editor: Chen Ran

Supervisor: Zhang Shilei