It’s a given that the Los Angeles Lakers need LeBron James healthy if they’re going to win the chip. As the leader and best player, he’s essential to what the team does on both ends of the floor.
So, with that in mind, it’s no surprise that the team is struggling in his absence.
Nobody expected the Purple and Gold to look so lethargic on the floor, however, and in light of their second straight defeat (a 109-102 loss to the Bucks), fans have had enough.
They took to Twitter to lament the state of the ball club, looking ahead to LeBron James’ return.
Lakers somehow went 0-11 from three in the 4th – and 0 for their last 16 from three! This team has so many shooters (other than Russ). But zero confidence. No more Laker swagger. This team plays like it expects to lose. FAKERS.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/JoaoNasser/status/1461167246928232452https://twitter.com/sauvenson_c/status/1461167421822312448https://twitter.com/RatioedByLakers/status/1461167282688868352
Westbrook gotta go man pic.twitter.com/TjN0MM0IZg
— Samuél, 🅿️h.D. (@samdouble_g) November 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/_crvgdiego2/status/1461167441086754816
— LUKA SZN (@lakersnationnnn) November 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/mtplug_grinder/status/1461167360342171648https://twitter.com/LakeShowFamily/status/1461167287457701891
Even with Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Carmelo Anthony, the Lakers still need LeBron to be relevant in the title race — and that’s a reality that has become known to the fans.
Of course, for some, the Lakers aren’t going to win the title even with LeBron.
“I’m gonna be in the Bay area for the Finals this year. Warriors going to the Finals,” said Stephen A. Smith. “Let me say something else. I think LeBron has won his last title. I think it’s over. It’s not LeBron’s fault. LeBron’s gonna be LeBron, he’s gonna come back and do what hes going to do. Russell Westbrook is a member of the Lakers… and I’m telling you they ain’t winning no chip.
I think the Lakers are big time. I think the Lakers can beat anyone but the Warriors. I think the Warriors are going to take them out.”
At 8-8, the Purple and Gold have more than enough time to figure things out and secure a higher seed in the West.
But it remains to be seen what this team, as presently constructed, is truly capable of. Do they really have enough to win it all, or has the window closed for James and the crew?
