With just five weeks until the NBA’s opening night, the countdown to the chase for a fifth championship ring begins for legends like LeBron James and Steph Curry. It’s a rare opportunity; did you know that only 26 players in NBA history have won five or more titles? Even fewer have achieved multiple MVPs—think Kareem, Magic, Jordan, and Duncan. However, the odds for LeBron and the Lakers to win another title this season aren’t looking great. In fact, Vegas has them ranked ninth in terms of championship chances.

So, what needs to happen for LeBron to secure that elusive fifth ring? Richard Jefferson weighed in, pointing out that the Lakers’ roster isn’t yet up to par. He believes the team is three All-Star caliber players short of being able to compete with the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, who are loaded with talent, including stars like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porziņģis. The Lakers, meanwhile, are still working through their dynamics with Anthony Davis and LeBron but clearly need more firepower.

Kendrick Perkins, however, isn’t buying into the doom and gloom. He believes that the Lakers are only one All-Star away from being serious contenders, not three. He argues that acquiring a player like Jimmy Butler, who can elevate the team and bring that much-needed toughness, could be a game-changer for Los Angeles. The debate continues over whether the Lakers can truly compete with top teams in the West like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, or Minnesota Timberwolves. While Jefferson thinks it’s unlikely they could win a series against those squads, Perkins is more optimistic. He contends that adding just one more All-Star, someone who can thrive under playoff pressure, could shift the balance.

Ultimately, the discussion has turned to whether LeBron’s window for another title is closing. The pressure is mounting for the Lakers to make the right moves now, as LeBron continues to defy Father Time. If they don’t act swiftly, that championship window might slam shut.

So, what do you think? Should the Lakers go all-in for someone like Jimmy Butler to give LeBron one last shot at glory? Let us know in the comments what you believe is the one move LA needs to make. Also, don’t forget to subscribe for more Lakers updates as the season heats up!