At 29-30, the Lakers occupy 10th place in the Western Conference, three games back of the Clippers for the eighth seed. Injuries and inconsistencies have dampened the organization’s hope to end a postseason drought that has persisted since 2013.
Following a 128-115 blowout loss to the Anthony Davis-less Pelicans on Saturday, those hopes took another blow. After publicly stating he has “activated” playoff mode to ensure his new team does not miss the playoffs, LeBron James has now openly questioned his team’s effort. James has played in eight straight NBA Finals and reached the series nine times in the last 12 seasons.
However, the most serious injury of his career — a groin strain that sidelined him for over a month — also played a role in the team’s decline. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, James weighed in on the team and how the reality of the year has evolved, per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times.
On expecting the season to be a challenge…
“I knew it was going to be very challenging, just because of the [limited] experience the roster had at that point and time. I knew it was going to be challenging from that sense, but I felt like we could still play better basketball. And we were doing that and obviously it sucks that my injury happened and (Lonzo Ball)’s injury happened and so many of our injuries happened. And we had suspensions in there.”
On injuries impacting the season thus far…
“So, I’m huge on chemistry and camaraderie … but the injuries have felt like it’s taken a toll on our team. So hopefully we can get ‘Zo back soon to kind of help that out. And hopefully we can start playing a little bit better too.”
On needing to overcome challenges…
“It’s how you approach the game every day. It’s how you think the game every day. It’s how you play the game. It’s how you prepare for the game. And it’s not even like when you get to the arena. It’s like way before that. It’s like, basketball, is that the most important thing while we’re doing this? Is it the most important thing in your life at this time? If you feel like you’re giving it all to the game, then you can do other things. But if you feel like you’re not giving as much as you can, then you can’t focus on anything else. That’s just … my personal take.”
Spend less time being a social justice warrior and win a few more games maybe.
Well said
Agreed. Bron Bron = little emotional drama-filled girl in a big boy’s body.
lebron’s damned to make his laker teammates miserable
Guarantee that he thought he would just show up in LA, and they would compete with Golden State
The best thing about this craptastic circus is that you dont have to listen to “Lakers Fan” talk about the Lakers will finish in the top 3 of the west and actually have a shot.
Not sure who is more delusional, Lakers Fan or Lebron Fan
I’m a purple fan, and Lebron’s Lakers version are actually wearing it, not that ridiculous blue Shaq&Kobe wore.
If LeBron doesn’t get hurt they’re a #4 right now fighting for the 3 spot..
I’m a Lakers fan.. would’ve preferred to continue the rebuild.. always hated LeBron… But gotta respect that he soley got us back in the playoff hunt.
Had to check, Lakers are 20-17 weekdays, 9-13 weekends. Paaar-TY
What do you expect when you try to trade all the young guns for AD….. plus LeBron takes off half of the time on defense. Great leader.
LeBron had to speak out. He was having dinner with AD after the game, and he was showing Anthony that he and Rich Paul are still running the show. LOL
LeBrons decent has started. Watch how absurd the Lebron circus becomes as his mental perception and physical reality continue to widen. Father Time is undefeated.
Have you watched him play or looked at any stats?
Here’s the continual trend:
1 say Lebron couldn’t get them into playoffs without considering he was out 2 months
2 say Lonzo is a bust without watching his impact on both sides of the court
3 say LeBron can’t recruit when both Kawhi or AD would’ve absolutely signed as free agents but had no control of where they were traded
And how many years have you been saying that, genius.
LeBron is one of the greats of all time. However, watching & listening to how Harden and James respond to obstacles is enlightening to me. One puts his head down and carries his team on his shoulders. Compliments his teammates and scores 30+ points a night. No excuses, just does it. Then there is the route LeBron is taking. Night and day difference.
You mean the same Harden that literally just this week called out an official for being biased against his team when he fouled out? I feel like you could have found a less unfortunate player for your point. It would still be a stupid one though.
The real difference is LeBron is king with 3 rings and harden is prince with zero.
Let bronbron keep chasing the ghost, I mean goat.
Why would anyone chase a goat? They will come over just out of curiosity.
You literally picked the worst player comparison.
Yes, Harden just got fined for complaining to reporters about not being able to complain to a ref directly.
One does have to respect Harden’s ability to put analytical talents into 1 v 1 moves and sustaining it.
Another article about LBJ, another day at the fairground for all the haters! Dudes you should get a life, specially one that makes you happy & not that bitter & salty, ain’t good for your health, right?
don’t blame anyone. it’s all your fault!
“And hopefully we can start playing a little bit better, too.” That like about sums it up.
for once I’d love to hear Lebron take some blame…”you know what I missed some games which messed up chemistry, then I tried to get coach fired (again), tried to trade most the starting 5 and some others too….all that just didn’t work this go round like it did in Cleveland. I’ll do better in the offseason to accomplish those things”…its still a narcissistic way to take the blame but hey at least its something ha!
The first part is true enough and was said. The rest has to wait for the book.