By The Lakers have been absolutely underwhelming throughout the year. It seems as if nothing can go right for the Lakers as their star power forward Anthony Davis is still injured. The inconsistency of this team is astounding as they just can’t seem to get the offense right. In addition to their lackluster offense, the defense is also horrific as we have seen on countless occasions. The lack of effort on both side of the court is what has led this “Superstar Team” to be where they are at now. The Lakers struggle and now sit in the 9th place in the West. Should the blame go to Frank Vogel? Slightly. But, at the end of the day, players have to go out there and give it all they have.
The Russell Westbrook Experiment
In year 18 for Lebron, many people suggested that Anthony Davis would carry the mantle of being the number one guy on the Lakers struggle. However, because of Davis’ injuries, had to once again put the team on his back and get them to the playoffs. The only problem with that was no one was able to step up and help Lebron when he needed it which led them to lose the series to Phoenix. Later in the offseason, the Lakers went and signed some free agents, one of them being Russell Westbrook. Russell Westbrook is the closest player who’s game is comparable to Lebron. Westbrook is an athletic point guard, who can get to the basket and facilitate, something that Lebron has done all his career. The NBA fans were divided as to how they felt about the paring of the two.
Needless to say, the paring is not going as well as it was thought of. Westbrook has been under the public sports eye all of this year because of his struggles on the court. His unnecessary turnovers create opportunities for opposing teams which simultaneously takes the energy from his own team. It’s not all of his fault, it’s management’s fault as well. Yes Westbrook is a solid point guard, yes he can bring so much to the table, however, the table he’s at is the wrong table. Westbrook is what the New York Knicks need. Westbrook, despite having his worst year career wise, can still be a valuable piece to another team. Hopefully teams can be aware of that next year.
Time and Effort
Effort can not be taught from one to another, but it can be inspiring and that is something that Lebron sometimes fails to realize. There have been many times where his effort has been in questioned from not getting back on offense after a stop or losing his man causing the other team to score. Any team Lebron is on plays their best when Lebron is giving effort, even with the small things like boxing out or weak side help on defense. This Lebron is not exhorting effort in which isn’t inspiring his team to do so either. Everyone on that roster do not show effort out there and it’s bad for the team and the organization as a whole.
On the same level as their effort is the lack of youth that they have. The Lakers are the oldest team in the league and their bench is horrible. Signings of Carmello Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo proved underwhelming for the team. Rondo was eventually traded to the Cavaliers, and Howard hasn’t truly fit into the system like he did back in 2020. Carmello is the one positive out of the signings and that’s only because he comes off the bench and provides floor spacing for the Lakers; but even he suffers from inconsistency. It will be interesting to see what the Lakers struggle will do next year in free agency, but this team must be changed.
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