USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their fifth loss in seven games when they were outplayed by the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The defending champions are largely troubled by injury concerns and LeBron James has been lamenting about it ever since they lost Anthony Davis to a calf injury.
The Lakers found some inspiration after Dennis Schroder returned to the team, but further injury casualties derailed their confidence. The team didn’t have Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol when they took on the Suns, and there was not much the rest of the roster could do in their absence.
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Fans were in awe of the Lakers’ depth when they began the season, but right now they’re in shambles. The pandemic has played its part in keeping players away from competing, and LeBron James hasn’t been content with whatever’s happening.
LeBron James unhappy with increasing woes and defeats
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a poor run of form and there’s no hiding it. They’re no longer favorites to retain the championship after what’s been going on with the team over the past few weeks.
LeBron James reacted to losing Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol after the Suns defeat, and the four-time MVP wasn’t too optimistic about his approach.
“It’s definitely deflating, especially when you’re playing poorly, then you get a good rhythm, and then you get hit with that,” mentioned James.
“There’s no AD, no Marc, and no Kuz. That’s three of our top six rotational players,” he added.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the closing second of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Kuzma’s unavailability came out a bit late before tip-off and Gasol has now missed a game due to COVID-19 protocols. It is unsure when he will return to the team. Anthony Davis’ comeback will stretch through the All-Star break.
Such is the position that the Lakers find themselves in. LeBron James is great, but he needs valuable inputs from teammates to keep his confidence train running. At 36, there’s only much he can do on both ends of the court.
The Lakers are now the third seed in the Western Conference. The Suns overtook them with a win on Tuesday, and only time will tell if the purple and gold will successfully get back on track!
