Olden Polynice says he’s bothered by something LeBron has never said

Former NBA center Olden Polynice seems to believe that there’s a common narrative used to shield Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James from flak when his teams don’t win at a high level.

According to the No. 8 overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft, when James’ teams don’t win, it’s seen as the fault of the supporting cast, but when they do win, James gets the credit. On that note, Polynice, who is a fan of James, indicated that he’s bothered by something he believes the four-time champion has never said.

“The one thing I’ve always hated about LeBron — here it comes — it’s like, when they win, it’s all him,” Polynice said. “When they lose, it’s all them. I’ve always hated that narrative. We could have spoken more to his greatness if one day he had said, ‘That’s on me.’ Just one time, ‘That’s on me.’

“And to me, that’s the problem. Again, one of the greatest ever, one of the greatest ever. I admit it. I’m a fan. I love LeBron James, people. But dammit, facts are facts. Reality is reality.”

It is true that following the Lakers’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the opening round of the 2025 playoffs, not a whole lot of blame was directed James’ way. Much was said about how Los Angeles needed an upgrade at the big man spot, and the Lakers addressed that hole this offseason by adding center Deandre Ayton.

The Lakers were a top-three seed in the Western Conference last season yet got thoroughly outplayed by a No. 6 seed and didn’t win a single playoff series. There’s an argument to be made that most star players would have been criticized more harshly for a first-round exit than James was, though it’s worth noting that the four-time MVP did produce well individually during the series.

James shouldn’t be above criticism by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s also important to remember that he’s the oldest active player in the NBA at 40 years old and on track to soon become the first player in league history to suit up in the league for a 23rd season. Asking for the moon and stars of someone at that age might not be fair, even considering his greatness.

Hopefully, folks won’t point blame at anyone on the Lakers in the 2026 NBA Playoffs because the franchise will be the last team standing and win it all. A title in 2026 would mark the fifth of James’ career and tie him with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in that regard. He would also be just one ring away from tying Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan with six rings.