The Los Angeles Lakers suffered one of their worst losses in years with a 41-point blowout defeat against the Miami Heat last night. They came out from their worst loss of the season on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves by performing even worse against the Heat in a shocking display.
Former NBA Champion and LeBron James’ teammate Channing Frye went off on the Lakers after their horrific defensive effort saw them give up 132 points in the loss.
“This might be the worst effort I have ever seen in the last few years. This Lakers team quit before the game even started. In no world should (my guy) Kevin Love be able to guard AD or AD not go at him every time,” Frye wrote on X.
Frye also analyzed the game on NBA TV, slamming their lack of effort while picking out their worst defensive plays.
“They’re just letting them do whatever. That’s a lack of effort from the Lakers. Nobody is getting to the body, AD swipes at it, but there’s no contest. I mean, it’s laughable. Where is the competitive nature? Nobody talks when a shot goes up, nobody’s getting back, the Lakers are looking like they’ve never played basketball before… It hurt my stomach watching them play.”
Channing Frye masterfully eviscerated the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/BD6WLBK3z9
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) December 5, 2024
LeBron James had 29 points (12-18 FG) and eight assists as the only Laker with any answer for the Heat, with Anthony Davis putting up a measly eight points (3-14 FG), seven rebounds, and five assists. Rui Hachimura (14 PTS), D’Angelo Russell (12 PTS), and Max Christie (11 PTS) scored in double digits but it was a terrible defensive game for all of them as well.
The Heat scored with ease, as they shot 52-80 from the field (57.8 FG%) and 24-47 (51.1 3P%) from three. They tied a franchise record in threes with their 24 makes, making a horrible night even worse for the Lakers. Their lethargic defensive effort didn’t help matters, as the Heat scored easily due to the Lakers not putting up a fight.
LeBron made it clear that the team’s players need to address their shortcomings as JJ Redick and the coaching staff don’t deserve the blame for such a showing, with Anthony Davis seconding that statement and taking accountability as he failed to be the tone-setter for the Lakers.
It’s not a coincidence that the worst losses of the Lakers’ season have come alongside Davis’ two worst performances this year. But even Davis can’t unilaterally transform the Lakers’ defense if the players don’t make an effort.
Hopefully, they can learn from this and bounce back, as the Lakers could be headed down a scary path if they can’t get a handle on their dismal performances off late.
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