LeBron James doesn’t need to prove his worth on the court to anyone at this stage of his career. At 38, LeBron is showing no sign of tiredness, he keeps helping the LA Lakers team with his high level of optimism and great performances. However, his effort is not usually enough to salvage the Lakers from failing most times.
LeBron James and the Lakers faced the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, but the outcome was disastrous. After the game, LeBron voiced his stance over the Lakers’ ongoing struggles.
LeBron James unhappy with Lakers’ performance
The Los Angeles Lakers looked completely destroyed by the Rockets on Wednesday night, losing 94–128, resulting in less fans’ engagement on betting sites. If they can manage to keep their place in the standings, their upcoming games are sure to draw bettors back into the action, so don’t forget to find out more at ESPN BET New York to secure your chance of winning.
However, the game got so out of hand that the Lakers didn’t even start their rotation players in the fourth quarter. While on the court, LeBron James was allegedly angry with the performance and later became agitated when questioned by the media regarding the Lakers’ poor run of form.
LeBron lamented on the Lakers struggle saying, “We can’t build cohesion if we don’t have our unit. We’re depleted on the injury side. I thought offensively, we did a good job of sharing the ball early on and getting a rhythm offensively. But they were just shooting the ball really well.”
"We can't build cohesion if we don't have our unit… We're very depleted on the injury side." LeBron James speaks on the #Lakers early struggles. pic.twitter.com/QAK1QthETo
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 9, 2023
They haven’t won a road game and have been among the NBA’s worst first-half teams so far. LeBron James and the Lakers might be a bit concerned about the beginning of their regular season, but history shows they won’t panic. Last season, they kicked off with a 2-10 record and still made it to the Western Conference Finals.
However, whether a strategic trade or a shift in playing style will turn things around for them remains uncertain for now. Only time will reveal exactly what would possibly salvage the regular season for King James and Co. At the moment, the Lakers must figure out how to stay competitive in the fierce Western Conference.
Lakers face embarrassing loss to Rockets without Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers aimed for their first road victory of the season against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night with the significant challenge of key players like Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino and most importantly Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury. The Lakers’ efforts fell short, resulting in a resounding 94-128 defeat, dropping their season record to 3-5.
Facing the Rockets without Davis, the Lakers struggled from the beginning, allowing their opponents to score the first eight points. Although D’Angelo Russell managed to get the Lakers on the board, the Rockets, led by Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, dominated early, extending their lead to 17-7.
LeBron James took charge, displaying aggression with a midrange bucket and a drawn charge, but that didn’t stop the Lakers from entering the second quarter trailing 32-19. Despite efforts from LeBron and Hachimura, the Rockets maintained control, heading into halftime with a 66-45 lead.
Entering the third quarter, the Lakers needed a comeback, but the Rockets, led by Jalen Green, maintained their offensive momentum. LeBron attempted to bridge the gap, completing a three-point play, but the Rockets responded promptly, finishing the third quarter with a commanding 99-71 lead. With the game seemingly out of reach, the Lakers conceded defeat early, resulting in an easy loss.
