LeBron James and the Lakers hit a new low today, as they lost to bottom placed(in the Western Conference) Phoenix Suns.
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Despite the unlikely win today, the Suns have the worst record in the NBA this season, having lost a staggering 51 games.
A team that is in ‘tanking territory’ should have been a cakewalk for the struggling Lakers, but when nothing is going right; expect the unexpected.
LeBron James has constantly cut a frustrating figure, with Luke Walton seeming to be out of ideas during clutch situations.
The young Lakers core, led by Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma have been impressive in patches this season. With the business end of the season upon us, this inconsistency is hitting the Lakers hard.
LeBron James has found his footing post his injury but isn’t quite able to rally his troops like he used to in Cleveland.
While LeBron’s offensive display has been good, his defensive work has come under scrutiny, with videos surfacing of him not giving his 100% while defending.
He then left the game against Bucks 14 seconds before the final whistle, heading straight to the locker room, without even looking at his teammates.
LeBron James has already been heavily criticised for wanting to trade Lakers’ entire young core for Anthony Davis, a move that wasn’t considered to be held in the highest regard by NBA fans and critics all over.
Now, according to a report from Stephen A.Smith, LeBron did something terrible post the Suns loss, taking the first bus out of the arena, without any of his teammates.
“The Lakers lost to the damn Suns tonight,” Smith said on Twitter.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. And now….sources tell me James got on the first bus out of the arena — which might be the first time he’s ever done that in his career.
“What a disaster. But I’m holding on. Season ends with loss [to the Los Angeles Clippers] Monday.” he added.
The controversy has come days after the James going off the court post the Bucks loss. Things don’t seem to be working out really well for LeBron and co. off the court it seems.
Post the bucks ‘walk-off’, Fox Sports Analyst, Jason McIntyre said that he was disgusted to see that kind of behaviour from a ‘leader’.
He was heavily critical of Luke Walton too, who he felt did not do much on the sideline.
“What I saw at the end of the game was just disgusting,” he said.
“The Lakers, playing the best team in the NBA record-wise, were phenomenal for three quarters, led by 12.
“Then at the end of the game, with the ball up two, two-and-a-half minutes left and they absolutely choke the game away. Luke Walton gagged on the sideline.
“I don’t even know why Luke is still sitting there at this point. It’s a formality, he’s done.
“I’m surprised it didn’t happen after the game. The Lakers gave up an 11-0 run at home and LeBron walks off the court.” he added.
He went onto criticise LeBron for walking off with 14 seconds left on the clock, exclaiming that he shouldn’t really be disrespecting the Lakers franchise like that.
“I was a little disgusted by what I saw from LeBron, there were 14 seconds left and he just flat-out walks off the court. Show some respect to the greatest franchise in NBA history.” he explained
“You haven’t won a title yet, you’re under .500, you’re about to miss the playoffs – can you at least wait a little bit?
“Watching it was like, do you not want to be with these guys on the court? Do you not want to be with this coach? I couldn’t believe it.
“If Steph Curry wants to do that after a tough loss, the guy has won a couple titles here in the last few years. LeBron, you can’t do that.
“You’ve been in L.A. for 10 minutes and you say, ‘Ah, I’m out!’ Show some respect to the purple and gold.” he added.
LeBron James and the Lakers will need to get back to the drawing board post the shambolic Suns loss, as they face the Clippers on Monday.
A loss against their city rivals could be curtains for one of the most celebrated franchises in the NBA.
