After winning three out of their last four fixtures, the Los Angeles Lakers once again fell off track as they were comfortably defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies. Considering the Big 3 of the Lakers are now healthy and playing, it is surprising to see the team struggle.
Moreover, the Lakers were off to a great start in the game, but couldn’t continue to finish off the game. Like many games this season, they took their foot off the gas and it was more than enough for the Grizzlies to take advantage of that.
After all, every team in the league is committed to giving 100% against the purple and gold. Following the defeat, Lakers superstar guard Russell Westbrook was asked about his thoughts on it. Westbrook was quite understandably unhappy with the team’s performance.
“Individually, we all gotta own up to what we do. Understand what our job is on this team and then we have to execute it.”
On losing against the Grizzlies, Westbrook said, “We know what we’re supposed to do. We know when we’re supposed to take and win games, regardless of who’s playing. But this is the NBA, and these guys are professional, just as well as us. We gotta do a better job of taking on the challenge, because we know that when everybody’s playing the Los Angeles Lakers, we’re going to get everybody’s best shot. We know that from the start of the year. We understand that, but we gotta be able to own our s***, simple as that.”
"Individually we have to understand what our jobs are and then execute it." Russell Westbrook addresses the media after tonight's game. @LakersReporter pic.twitter.com/vQkGtJ0flN
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 10, 2021
In the defeat against the Grizzlies, the Lakers committed 22 turnovers. From a team of the caliber of the Lakers, it is quite surprising to see them commit such grave mistakes time and time again.
On top of that, former Lakers player Kwame Brown shared his honest thoughts about the team’s struggles. Brown stated that the Lakers are in dire need of a leader like Kobe Bryant. Someone who has the killer mentality instead of being friendly with the opposing team when losing to them.
Can the Lakers still turn the season around? Well, they have plenty of time on their hands. But it is, of course, easier said than done.
