The Los Angeles Lakers started off their season just 0-3, leaving fans to wonder early if they could turn it around. They did, winning two-straight games. However, that winning streak was short lived as they’re now back to losing. Monday’s 124-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves has them at 2-5 for the early NBA season. By the way, LeBron James is being “patient,” but he won’t be too patient.
In Monday’s loss, James had a double-double of 29 points and 10 boards to go with seven assists. However, the Lakers failed to keep their opponents away from the defensive boards or the free throw line. Following the loss, LeBron admitted the team needs to focus being better at specific things. He added that they can’t keep doing those things over and over to expect different results. King James added, “You probably don’t want to be around when my patience runs out,” per ESPN’s report.
LeBron’s head coach Luke Walton echoed similar sentiments about how the team should improve. Walton said the team needs to “get better at the little things” such as “paying attention to details” or “following game plans.”
Lonzo Ball placed blame on himself admitting that he just isn’t doing his job at the moment. However, there have been analysts who believe Ball deserves the starting role over Rajon Rondo, based on his talent, skills, and youth. In addition, Ball, as well as Josh Hart, seem to work best on that starting lineup.
As far as LeBron James goes, it’s true that teammates probably don’t want to upset him. There have been previous team chemistry issues such as the ones seen over the past season in Cleveland. That led to a midseason reboot in which multiple players were traded to, ironically, the Los Angeles Lakers.
In an interesting side note the NBA superstar was carrying the Doris Kearns Goodwin book, “Leadership: In Turbulent Times” as he left the locker room. Most likely, the King is looking to inspire the younger players on the team in an effort to create better overall chemistry.
The Lakers get a chance to snap their latest losing streak on Wednesday evening. They’ll host the 2-5 Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center.
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