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The Los Angeles Lakers. A storied franchise, a beacon of basketball excellence, and for the past six years, a subject of intense debate: are they truly LeBron James’ team? Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, a scoring legend in his own right, recently offered his perspective on this ongoing discussion, and his words are sure to fuel the fire.

Since LeBron arrived in 2018, the Lakers have undeniably revolved around him. His impact extends far beyond the court, influencing roster decisions, coaching changes, and even the overall team culture. While his leadership and talent have brought the Lakers to the pinnacle of success – a 2020 NBA Championship – some critics argue that James and his inner circle have amassed too much control, stifling the development of younger players and hindering the team's long-term potential.

Wilkins, known for his explosive scoring and fierce competitiveness during his time with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics, didn’t shy away from addressing the situation. “Look, LeBron is LeBron,” Wilkins stated, “He’s one of the greatest to ever play the game. You have to give him respect. But when one person has that much power, it can be a tricky situation.” He acknowledged LeBron's undeniable influence but subtly hinted at the potential drawbacks of such concentrated control.

The debate surrounding LeBron’s influence isn’t new. Early in his tenure, questions arose about his involvement in the hiring of Frank Vogel as head coach. More recently, the trade deadline saw the Lakers making moves that appeared to cater to LeBron's preferences, further solidifying the perception that he holds significant sway over the franchise. The departure of key role players, often cited as necessary to maximize LeBron’s championship window, has left some fans questioning the Lakers’ overall strategy.

However, it’s important to remember LeBron's track record of success. He has a history of elevating teams to championship contention, and his basketball IQ is unparalleled. The Lakers, despite their struggles in recent years, remain a perennial contender largely due to his presence. The challenge for the Lakers' front office is to strike a balance – to leverage LeBron's expertise while fostering a collaborative environment that allows other players to thrive.

Wilkins’ comments serve as a reminder that even the greatest players need to operate within a framework that supports the entire team. The Lakers' future hinges on their ability to navigate this delicate balance and create a winning formula that extends beyond the brilliance of a single superstar. The question isn't whether LeBron is a valuable asset—it’s whether the Lakers have empowered themselves to build a sustainable championship contender *around* him, rather than solely *because* of him.

As the Lakers embark on a new season, all eyes will be on how they manage LeBron’s influence and whether they can finally silence the critics who question the extent of his control. Dominique Wilkins' insightful perspective adds another layer to this compelling narrative, reminding us that even in the world of superstars, teamwork and balance are the keys to lasting success.