LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have really struggled this season. The Lakers were considered heavy championship favorites coming into the NBA season. But they have failed to live up to that billing, and have massively underperformed given the star power available to them.
The one player who has been consistently great for the Los Angeles Lakers has been LeBron James. James, despite being in his 19th NBA season, is playing some of the best basketball of his career, as he tries to carry the heavy load of the Lakers this season. But even that hasn’t been enough and even seems to have taken a toll on LeBron.
LeBron James has missed the Lakers’ last three games due to knee soreness. His absence has been felt, as the Lakers have lost each of these three games. The return of Anthony Davis has been a big help for them, as he has looked much better after returning. But the team clearly needs LeBron to perform well.
One anonymous member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ staff gave a disappointing message to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, saying that each game LeBron James misses means that the Lakers get a little bit worse. Despite having two All-Stars available, the Lakers still need LeBron James to make things happen on the court.
"Everyday [LeBron] is out, we sink"
— Lakers staffer to @ramonashelburne#NBATwitter #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/NU1JkTGx38
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) January 31, 2022
Russell Westbrook, who has been the most scrutinized player for the Lakers this season, has not given up hope when it comes to the Lakers’ chances, as he said that he is still optimistic and won’t stop fighting. On top of that, former Laker Lamar Odom has picked the Lakers to win the NBA championship, although admitted that it could be his bias for the purple and gold that is making that assessment.
LeBron James could make his return to the Lakers tonight, as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers have not been in great form this season, and Damian Lillard is unavailable to them. A strong showing against a team that they can beat could be the stepping stone that helps the Lakers recover their season.
