Dubbed as championship favorites before the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are nowhere near a championship. They currently take 7th place in the Western Conference standings. With most of the media and analysts blaming teammates for not assisting LeBron James, a former Lakers star has different opinions.

Kwame Brown has come out and bashed James for his play this season. According to him, he isn’t playing like how a leader and a king should play.

In a recent interview, Brown shared his thoughts regarding the media bashing Westbrook and protecting LeBron James. Take a look at what he had to say.

Kwame Brown on the media shielding James

With most of the media houses and pundits pointing their fingers at Russell Westbrook, Kwame Brown has come out in his defense. According to him, the real problem at the Lakers is LeBron and not Westbrook.

Talking in an interview, Brown said,” The Lakers are losing because the media will blame everybody else but the true person the problem needs to fall on. LeBron needs to allow other people to shine.”

He adds, “In my opinion, LeBron is good enough to get his points, but he has to take less three-pointers and get these other guys involved. If that doesn’t happen, they are a .500 team at best.”

Some really tough words coming in for LeBron from a former Lakers man himself.

LeBron James this season

Recently turned 37, LeBron is in no mood to stop. He still is the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers and is putting up phenomenal numbers.

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He averages 28.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season. Despite people questioning his defensive contributions, he has a defensive rating of 106.7 this season.

Is Russell Westbrook the problem?

Russell Westbrook continues to have a rocky season with his hometown club. He was the superstar acquisition for the Lakers during the offseason from the Washington Wizards. Everything has gone downhill ever since.

Although Westbrook might still get those triple-doubles for his team, that does not reflect upon his overall performance.

Stan Van Gundy gave his thoughts regarding the situation. According to him, “So to say a triple-double is a measure of a great game, I don’t know. You got to tell me what the guy shot and how many turnovers he had and what he did defensively; the whole thing.”

Van Gundy’s words sum up the entire situation with Westbrook. Although he has his numbers, his decision-making during key moments has let the Lakers down. His turnovers during the final quarter cost crucial points for his team which ultimately leads to people criticizing him.

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Who do you think is the real problem for the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.