The streak ends! Yes, we are talking about the Lakers’ three-game winning streak to start the season which had the City of Angels Buzzing all week. While LeBron James bailed his team out against the Kings in the last game with a historic 16-point final quarter, he could not replicate that feat tonight against the Suns. In fact, he played one of the worst games of his career, nearly ending his iconic double-digit scoring streak. JJ Redick expressed his discontent with his squad’s performance as he reportedly gave them an earful after the game.
As per the latest report, JJ was ‘pissed’ at the team’s performance and expressed his frustration in the Lakers’ locker room post-game. And he let the players know exactly where they went wrong as he pointed out the abysmal offense in the second quarter where they only scored 14 points as compared to the Suns’ 25. Moreover, he also talked about the decision to double up Kevin Durant while he dropped a 30-piece to beat them.
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Word out of the Lakers locker room – JJ Redick was pissed, let the players know the 2nd Q offense and the decision not to double KD – we saw that in his postgame
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 29, 2024
However, the head coach took accountability for his team’s offense in the first half, “If there’s one thing to nitpick it’s probably me… We should never have a 14-point quarter… that’s on me.” Well, he has received high praise for his coaching so far, and it’s great to see that he is not shy of accepting his mistakes.
Even during the final play where LeBron intentionally missed a free throw for a potential chance at tying or winning the game, JJ revealed that the strategy was communicated beforehand as the Lakers did not have any timeouts left. Unfortunately, it backfired as the Suns grabbed the rebound off the miss and won the game. The loss also paved the way for severe scrutiny with a prominent analyst taking aim at Lakers’ talisman.
Veteran analysts question LeBron James’ age after 11-point performance
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While JJ took accountability for the team’s disappointing performance, many blamed LeBron for the loss because of his abysmal outing. Unlike what he did in the last game, LBJ shot three of fourteen from the field and finished with only 11 points. Fortunately, he scored a three-pointer in the final quarter, which kept his 1226-game streak of scoring in double-digits alive. Sure enough, his struggles led many to believe that his age was finally catching up to him, including Kendrick Perkins, “Bron actually looks like he’s about to turn 40. Worse game that I’ve seen from him in a very long time.”
Bron actually looks like he’s about to turn 40. Worse game that I’ve seen from him in a very long time
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) October 29, 2024
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Even James’ harshest critic Skip Bayless chimed in with a tweet, “Oh, well, the Lakers will not go undefeated. But at least LeBron (3-14) kept his double-digit scoring streak alive with 11 points.” Well, there are bound to be some doubters because tonight was his lowest field goal percentage game since Halloween 2007. But this was just one poor game, and King James has proven repeatedly that he is still an elite player. So, don’t be surprised if he makes an epic comeback in the next game.
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