As the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an unexpected 11th place in the NBA’s Western Conference, a three-game losing streak has left fans and analysts alike questioning the once-mighty team’s current state.
Beyond the realm of injuries, the Lakers seem to lack cohesion and intensity, raising concerns about the potential reasons behind their early-season slump.
New Players, Same Story?
With each new season comes a fresh wave of hope for Lakers fans, yet the team’s struggle to find rhythm continues. Despite boasting new additions to the roster, the squad seems to be grappling with issues of chemistry and teamwork. The question looms: Is the influx of new players contributing to the Lakers’ early-season woes?
LeBron’s Focus: A Divergence?
The iconic LeBron James, a perennial leader for the Lakers, appears to be navigating a path filled with distractions. From a multitude of appearances to commercial commitments and a burgeoning portfolio of productions and investments, James’s attention seems dispersed. The impact on locker room cohesion is palpable, leaving fans to ponder whether the team’s struggles stem from a lack of focus on the ultimate prize. The question arises each season, which player is the motivator in the locker room? It is supposed to be LeBron, but is he trying to pass torch? Is it even possible while he is still around?
Bron wants to own an NBA team in Las Vegas.
Bron wants to play with his son. A health setback for Bronny James who is recovering from a Heart defect that caused a cardiac arrest during practice with his USC Basketball team. Bron says he may be able to play in a month, which is great news. But playing with Bronny in the NBA may now need to wait.
Statistics Don’t Lie
A look at the statistics on Basketball Reference paints a sobering picture. The Lakers are shooting below 50%, making just 47.1% of their field goals and a mere 76.5% of their free throws. On the boards, opponents are out-rebounding them at a rate of 47.5% to 42.8%. These numbers underscore a lack of efficiency and dominance that Lakers fans are unaccustomed to witnessing.
Hungry Players Await Opportunities
In the vast landscape of basketball talent, there are thousands of hungry players worldwide—undrafted, in the NBA G-League, and beyond—yearning for a shot at the big leagues. These players, driven by a hunger to succeed, would play as if their lives depended on it. The Lakers’ current performance raises questions about the hunger and drive within the team to compete at the highest level. Get Gabe York, Mac McClung, Rawle Alkins, or Chance Comanche out there and see the energy level pick up. Much like Austin Reeves did last season and Alex Caruso prior to that.
Coach? Darvin Ham
Is this Darvin Ham’s team? You gotta ask this question because since LeBron came to Los Angeles five years ago, the Lakers have fired two coaches (Luke Walton who was developing the young core, Frank Vogel (current Suns head coach) and are on No. 3. Ham knows basketball, he has great potential, but if he isn’t calling the shots, then it’s hard to blame the coach. So is this LeCoach’s team or Ham’s team or a combo? Because what is not working is the current come from behind strategy we are watching fail.
After watching the Houston Rockets, also retooled with new players and a new coach, Ime Udoka, seems to have figured out how to get his team ready for the season beating the Lakers, albeit with injuries, 94-128
Watch for yourself:
LeBron’s Leadership Questioned
While LeBron James remains the indisputable leader of the Lakers, there are growing concerns about his level of interest in championship pursuits. The team’s struggles on the court and LeBron’s apparent disinterest in trophy-winning endeavors are contributing factors to the Lakers’ current state. Outside of the “Covid” season, when has LeBron’s locker room been cohesive enough for a Championship? This isn’t his strong point. Even Russell Westbrook, who is doing a fantastic job because he is wanted on the Clippers, didn’t want to greet LeBron pre-game. It was very clear that LeBron hasn’t been the leader he needed to be in the locker room.
Lakers keep cycling through players instead of establishing a cohesive team. In my opinion, it’s not the players surrounding LeBron, it’s LeBron.
Is LeBrons heart into playing anymore? He almost retired in the off season.
Embarrassment for Lakers Fans
For the devoted Lakers faithful, the current situation is nothing short of embarrassing. Accustomed to a legacy of success, the team’s recent performances have left fans yearning for the days of dominance and championships. The disappointment is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting signs of a turnaround.
As the Lakers navigate this early-season challenge, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. The team must address its issues of cohesion, intensity, and efficiency to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the NBA. The hungry players worldwide serve as a stark reminder that success is earned, not given, and the Lakers must rediscover the hunger that defines champions.
