In a viral video this week, NBA superstar LeBron James sparked the anxiety of countless Lakers fans of the 2022-23 season.
At some point during media day festivities, James was caught playing a three-point contest with his co-stars Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis on the court.
Amazingly, he lost to both of them despite being the better shooter.
LeBron loses to Russ and AD in a shooting contest
(h/t @LakersDailyCom / via @mcten) pic.twitter.com/hzJjdyni4B
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2022
In the end, the shoot-out didn’t really mean anything — but it certainly isn’t a good look for a Lakers team that needs to have an efficient perimeter game.
NBA Fans React To LeBron James’ Failed Three-Point Contest
While some fans expressed worry, others took the opportunity to troll LeBron for losing a shooting contest against one of the worst shooters in the league.
they having a mid off https://t.co/p0N0VLdogR
— 🫵👍 (@AndyKHLiu) September 28, 2022
That’s some sorry shit https://t.co/tWoWKEL1Kb
— naysayersinparis (@ShytHappens_) September 28, 2022
Lakers are cooked 😂 https://t.co/Wj3OkSCvHn
— Music (@finesse_gpt) September 28, 2022
How nice of Lebron to purposely throw so AD and Russ can gain their confidence https://t.co/wX1cmguVhf
— Yunel #PerSourcesENT MEDIA (@YunelDudley) September 27, 2022
https://twitter.com/nylvla24/status/1574892705527668737https://twitter.com/MidCedi/status/1574902829910827015
LMFAO LAKERS ARE FINISHED IF BRON IS MISSING CUZ WE KNOW RUSS AND AD WONT MAKE SHOTS BEYOND THE ARC https://t.co/JPv34Qafzt
— star (@starbrrst) September 27, 2022
Shooting is everything in the NBA, and the Lakers don’t have nearly enough. This season, if they want to succeed, they will have to find some shooting from within.
Last year, they could rely on guys Carmelo Anthony and Kent Bazemore to connect from deep but, with both of them gone now, it will be up to LeBron, Russ, and Davis to find their stroke and effectively stretch the floor.
Despite what the video above shows, we all know LeBron is going to do his part. The question is, what can we expect from the others? While some are thinking negatively, James is entering the season with optimism.
Under new coach Darvin Ham and a new roster this season, LeBron believes Westbrook can have a successful campaign this year as he revealed during the Lakers media day.
“I look forward to being a part of this journey with him this year. It’s going to be a great year for him and we’re going to be right there with him. We’re here and it starts tomorrow. It’s all about putting in the work and when you put in the work, you see the results, so, looking forward to it.”
After last season’s nightmarish campaign, there is no telling what this year will look like for them. They have new players, a brand new coach, and a fresh state of mind after a summer of reflection.
For LeBron James, there is no doubt that he will continue to be the superstar we all know and love — but he’s going to have to shoot better than Russell Westbrook if he wants to put his team in a position to succeed this season.
