Where it all went wrong for LeBron and the Lakers this season
As of now, the Los Angeles Lakers have been officially ruled out of the 2018/2019 season’s NBA playoffs; being usurped by the likes of local rivals, the Sacramento Kings and the LA Clippers. Currently boasting a disappointing record of 34 wins and 42 losses, we have to ask the all-important question – where did it all go wrong for a team that signed one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James?
After a frankly unacceptable record of 35 and 47 for a team of their stature in the previous season, the Lakers made significant strides in the summer trade market to improve a faltering roster. Alongside the marquee signing of four-time MVP and 3 time NBA Champion LeBron James, who was the NBA’s most sought-after free agent after running out his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers also acquired veteran Point Guard Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee. During this time, the Lakers also waived the deadwood of the previous season, including Isaiah Thomas and Brook Lopez. With the Lakers extending the contracts of promising rookies in Kuzma, Ball and Hart among others in the same timeframe, the projected mixture of youth and veteran experience in the roster seemed to be an excellent, well-thought-out set of moves by the Lakers.
one of the most stand-out reasons for the Laker’s failure this season was the untimely injury to LeBron in December
However, it never turned out exactly how it was supposed to. Being the first time in many years that LeBron hasn’t reached the playoffs, the Lakers capitulated in a particularly tough Western Conference this year. Being a Houston Rockets fan myself, I can attest to this, as our record-breaking 65-17 record of last season wasn’t replicated this year. Of course, one of the most stand-out reasons for the Laker’s failure this season was the untimely injury to LeBron in December, which forced him out of 17 games. During his time away from the Court, the Lakers plummeted from 4thto 9thin the Western Conference, as a loss of a star player translated to a loss of direction for the team; the likes of Brandon Ingram could only do so much to help save a team that orbited around LeBron and his leadership on the court.
However, even with LeBron on the court and the 2019 All-Star Captain himself declaring in the back-end of the season that the Lakers were entering Playoff Mode, the Lakers continued to be inconsistent. Why? When asking around in a few NBA forums online, the answers I got ranged from ‘terrible coaching’, ‘shocking defence’ and most condemningly, ‘the separation LeBron has created between him and the young players’. While not watching much of the Lakers this season, the viral video of Kyle Kuzma shoving LeBron in defending a potentially open 3 highlighted it for me. There seems to be a lack of chemistry in this Lakers team. Is LeBron above his teammates? Any headlines about any Lakers win seems to highlight James, which while expected given his status in the league, somewhat degrades the efforts of his teammates, that comes across as only bit-part players.
LeBron had a great season in terms of PPG and Assists, averaging 27.4 and 8.3 respectively
It is this mindset that doesn’t win championships, let alone playoff positions. If leadership means failing to contribute to defensive possessions and just pointing to teammates, then the definition of the word has changed. By no way am I saying LeBron’s role is to be a Lockdown Defender, but there has been a need for greater effort in defence by the Lakers this season, giving up countless looks for opponents this season. Although LeBron had a great season in terms of PPG and Assists, averaging 27.4 and 8.3 respectively, it has not been enough to substitute for a team that has failed to gel until after they were officially knocked out of playoff contention, only synchronising when the pressure is off. What has also been interesting to watch has been the success of former Laker D’Angelo Russell at the Brooklyn Nets this season, a team which is reaching the playoffs themselves.
While this season has been yet another faltering effort from the Lakers, their form as of late is somewhat promising. Hopefully, the Lakers return to their historical form sometime soon.
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