After the All-Star break, The LA Lakers has failed to come together as a ball club. In their last 10 games, the Lakers are 3-7 and now are out the playoff contention. It’s time that the Lakers organization divert their energy towards off-season acquisitions. Currently, the Lakers sit 10th in the Western Conference and are 5.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs at the 8th seed. With 18 games left in the season, the Lakers must finish with a 15-3 record to secure a playoff berth. The Lakers biggest challenge this season was playing without their star leader in LeBron James.
Earlier in the season LeBron James had suffered a groin Injury that left him sidelined for 17 games. This was LeBron’s lengthiest injury of his career. The Lakers went 6-11 without James, which ultimately drove them out the playoff hunt. During LeBron’s absence the Lakers struggled immensely to find their identity. Right before the trade deadline rumours circulated around the Lakers organization to trade for All-star Forward Anthony Davis in exchange for everyone except LeBron James. Unfortunately, the Lakers failed in their pursuit of Anthony Davis and found themselves losing 4 of their 5 games heading into all-star break.
LeBron James shows signs of frustration after a tough loss late last week. (Photo by: AP/ESPN)
“I think injuries have played a big part of our team as far as our continuity both offensively and defensively, but I think we can get back into it. ”
On Monday night the Lakers fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 113-105. In their last 12 games the Lakers have posed a 3-9 record. The harsh reality of LeBron James not to be playing in the playoffs has become a rarity because over his last 8 seasons James has competed in the NBA Finals. The Lakers continue to dig themselves a deep hole and will pretty much need a miracle if they want to secure a playoff spot. This might be the first time LeBron James hasn’t competed in the playoffs since his 2005 season. During his sixteen seasons no other NBA player has as much mileage as James, he’s athletic inclination was at an all-time high.
LeBron James has passed Michael Jordan on the All-time scoring list. Moving into the 4th spot. (Photo by AP/ESPN)
The Lakers have fought an uphill battle this season plagued by injuries and dysfunction. Ultimately, as a result the Lakers organization have failed to meet the expectation for this season, when playing in a big market like Los Angeles or New York, you must hold your franchise to a certain standard of excellence. The last time the Lakers competed in the playoffs was in 2013, with that being said I think it’s time for change. It starts with the off-season acquisitions, Magic Johnson needs to hire a new coach and recruit talent to the city on angels.
“We gotta win games, but it starts with us not turning the ball over and us being better from the free-throw line. These are two things that have not been very good for us in the first half of the season.”
Lakers Forward LeBron James will potentially miss this years NBA playoffs for the first time since 2005.
(Photo by ESPN)
Its time the whole culture of the Lakers organization, according to sources, rumours have circulated around the league about to possibility of hiring a new head coach. Potential candidates include Tyron Lue, Mark Jackson, Brian Shaw, and Coach K. We are hopeful that the Lakers will sign 2 max players over the summer that will compliment LeBron James and his ball club. Lakers will continue to pursuit Pelicans forward Anthony Davis but it all depends on what the Lakers have to give up. One thing is for sure that the Lakers learnt a valuable lesson; LeBron James doesn’t guarantee you a trip to the NBA finals. It would be in the Lakers best interest to rest James for the remainder of the season and rebuilding their roster over the off-season.
Thanks: Bleacher Report, NBA, ESPN
Athlete: LeBron James