2019-20 NBA GM Survey: LeBron James No Longer Viewed As Best Small Forward
LeBron James, Lakers
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has been dominating the NBA for over a decade, making every NBA Finals from the 2011-18 seasons while winning three championships in that time.

However, James’ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers saw that streak — as well as his 13 consecutive playoff appearances streak — come to a sad end marred by a ton of injuries to him and a young roster.

Because of this, it seems many have forgotten just how good of a player James is. For the first time since its creation, James was not the No. 1 player on ESPN’s annual #NBARank. Him and Anthony Davis have been constantly undersold in favor of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Now, the disrespect James tour continues with the NBA’s annual GM survey and it starts at the small forward position — one that James has been in complete control of his entire career. Now, he is no longer being given that crown as general managers feel that Leonard is a better small forward, via John Schuhmann of NBA.com:

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers — 62%

2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers — 24%

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee — 14%

Last year: LeBron James — 57%

This is the first season in an extremely long time that James has not received the most votes for this category. James has had a stranglehold over this category for as long as the world can remember and now the title belongs to Leonard.

For James, this is likely just extra fuel to a very strong fire deadset on proving all of these analysts wrong. He and Davis have clearly shown in the 2019 NBA preseason that they mean business by rattling the Golden State Warriors easily in both of their matchups with them.

James will just have to show when the games begin how wrong everybody was and it starts by getting a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2019-20 season opener.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Mitch Kupchak Hints At Keeping No. 2 Pick, Drafting Big

With the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Los…

Rajon Rondo Attributes Lakers’ Struggles To Constant Injuries, Rotation Changes

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled mightily over the past couple of months. The team went from fourth to outside…

Metta World Peace: A Brand New Player in 2012

You may have noticed a slew of new players on the Lakers…

Law and Order: Jackson v. Van Gundy Edition

Written by: Enrique Rea During the early part of the NBA season…