Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into the 2020-2021 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers were the heavy favorite to repeat as champions. However, they suffered a first-round elimination from the second-seeded Phoenix Suns.
Though this comes as a surprise to many, this was somewhat inevitable. The issue with the team became even clearer throughout the six-game series against the Suns.