How LeBron fits into the myth of Lakers exceptionalism

For so long, until reality stomped them into the cellar, the Lakers believed they were separate from and above other franchises. At the top again, does the myth survive?

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

Charles IV of Spain and His Family, Francisco Goya

Before this year, the L.A. Lakers had missed the playoffs more times in the past six seasons than they had in their 65-year history to that point. Over their six and half decades leading up to 2013-14, the Lakers weren’t always great. But they were almost always good. Every…