The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the few undefeated home teams left in the NBA as they hosted the Sacramento Kings. After already suffering a loss earlier this season at the hands of the Kings, the story remained the same as Sacramento snapped the Lakers’ 5-0 streak at home this season.
Fans were not happy, even after a fourth-quarter comeback that saw the Lakers cut a nearly 30-point lead to single digits.
Final pic.twitter.com/Mh33aew1GN
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 16, 2023
Lakers fans were upset at Anthony Davis for playing through injury and hurting the team on the court.
anthony davis shouldn’t have played today bro
i’m so annoyed like what was the point if ur not 100% dude
— Coach Rome (@Rome_Beast) November 16, 2023
Fans were shocked that the Lakers still don’t have the depth needed to support LeBron James in Year 21.
The depth everyone loves just made LeBron record a near 30 PT triple double in year 21 gasping for air
He couldn’t give the ball to anyone to create.
— †(@HoodiHachimura) November 16, 2023
The fourth-quarter comeback the Lakers made was encouraging, but fans declared it a fake comeback.
How good were the Lakers during fake comebacks? pic.twitter.com/OKBo9PNzAE
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) November 16, 2023
Fans are worried about the Lakers, criticizing the quality of wins they’ve had so far.
The Lakers are 6-6 and had no impressive wins:
Injured Suns (twice)
Magic (play-in team)
Clippers (no Harden/chemistry issues)
Blazers (bottom 3 west team + barely won)
Grizzlies (last place in the west) pic.twitter.com/lv1TpqNyBH
— LeCancun James (@Le0verrated) November 16, 2023
Fans were pissed off at the Lakers inability to convert comebacks after giving up early leads.
Lakers go down 30 to get back within 7 and eventually lose way too often
— kingtisemedia (@kingtisemedia) November 16, 2023
Fans supported LeBron and D’Angelo Russell but were not happy with how Anthony Davis looked.
LeBron & DLo did they part tonight.
Reaves been up and down. That’s the expectation in the regular season at this point.
AD absolutely cannot go through these lapses in productivity.
— Ry (@JustRyCole) November 16, 2023
Some fans started hating on Davis because of the load LeBron had to carry in a losing effort once again.
Lebron so tired not even fair to him I hate AD so much for being a loser it’s honestly a shame
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) November 16, 2023
LeBron James was the offensive engine for the Lakers, scoring 28 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing 11 assists. He even had four steals and a block in an all-around performance where his teammates didn’t show up. Anthony Davis had a dreadful nine points on 3/9 shooting, clearly nursing a body injury. D’Angelo Russell matched LeBron’s scoring output with 28 points as well.
The Kings had three players show up and provide big numbers. Domantas Sabonis was arguably their best player tonight with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Kevin Huerter had 28 points and seven assists, with De’Aaron Fox also getting 28 points with five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. The Kings starters totaled 15 steals in the game, showing a very active defensive performance from the group.
The Lakers Struggling To Find A Rhythm
The Lakers are falling into the trap many average teams do, as they simply can’t break through the curse of being on or around .500. After falling a couple of games below .500 and making a run of wins to get back above, this loss relegates them to a 6-6 record. They’re on pace for another play-in tournament appearance, which could be a big problem for a side many believed were contenders.
There’s not much blame that can be put on LeBron right now, as he’s continuing to exceed expectations. Anthony Davis had another one of his mysterious disappearing nights, but it’s fair to assume he was hampered by injury. It’s admirable that he wanted to push through it and be available, but maybe he should have taken the rest given his struggles on the court.
A trade for a third star isn’t the answer, as the Lakers would give up their only consistent rotational players like D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, to get it done. Changes around the fringes to add players to their 10-man rotation could work, but it’s far too early to identify what they need.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s return can’t come any sooner for the franchise, who will want to see if he can address their defensive concerns. If not, the trade market will always be at the disposal of the Lakers, who are allegedly interested in Zach LaVine.
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