Chandler Parsons Claiming LeBron James Stat Padded to 10 Points In Loss to Suns Irks Fans – “Nice Job Getting The Clicks”

LeBron James struggled against the Phoenix Suns scoring 10 points on 30% shooting and then immediately pulled himself out of the game.

Chandler Parsons Claiming LeBron James Stat Padded to 10 Points In Loss to Suns Irks Fans – “Nice Job Getting The Clicks”

LeBron James gets accused of stat-padding by Chandler Parsons (Image via FirstSportz)

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In year 23, LeBron James understands well that his role with the Los Angeles Lakers has changed. Now he is their third-best option, both as a scorer and a playmaker.

After missing the first month, the 40-year-old made his season debut in style, notching 11 points and 12 assists, many of which were the highlights of the game.

However, one former Laker and the 4-time champion’s staunch critic, Kwame Brown, labeled that performance ‘stat padding,’ as he felt LeBron James was trying to continue his legacy rather than help the team win.

In the next couple of games, the King upped his scoring and garnered praise from unlikely quarters. After that, he missed a game, and then returned against foe, Dillon Brooks, and his Phoenix Suns.

In that game, the Akron native could not find his shooting rhythm. Then, with less than 7 minutes to go, LeBron James scored his 10th point, after which he took the bench and stayed there for the rest of the game.

This is the first time in my life I saw an older LeBron James who played and looked like his age… He was hunting for it, he was not coming out until he got it. This just felt like the first step of on the way out, and catering to his legacy instead of focusing on the season.

Chandler Parsons said on Run it Back

This makes Chandler Parsons the second person to openly talk about the Lakers’ superstar stat-padding to extend his 10+ point streak of 1297 games. He did not like it, as that effort felt deliberate and unfitting for the team’s goal this season.

Fans rip Chandler Parsons for illogical LeBron James comment

Basketball fans knew that LeBron James had just returned from a game out and was not in rhythm. But for Chandler Parsons to label it as a deliberate attempt at stat padding irked many.

Fans believe he is speaking out of context, as the game was already out of the Lakers’ hands, and there was no need to continue playing a near 41-year-old veteran.

They believe this is just an attempt to score some ratings instead of being objectively critical about James’ shooting woes. Check out examples of those reactions below:

To be fair to Chandler Parsons, he might have felt that had LeBron James really cared, he would have subbed himself out well before his 10th point, allowing the bench players to get some crucial minutes.

He might believe that the superstar already has enough records to his name, that ending one before he retires would not affect his legacy. However, fans felt it had nothing to do with it, as players often stay on to try to get their rhythm back in line for the next game.

Brian Windhorst feels Lakers are struggling with fatigue

After this game against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James and his Lakers will get 3 days rest before they embark on a 3-game road trip. Brian Windhorst believes their recent schedule has impacted the King.

LeBron James against Dillon Brooks
LeBron James against Dillon Brooks (Image via Legion Hoops/X)

He didn’t have any lift, he didn’t have any burst. We haven’t really seen this from LeBron… This is the first time this year, I’ve felt he’s looked this way… The whole Lakers team frankly looks slow. It was their third game in four nights.

Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today

The analyst agreed this was a concerning look at the league’s all-time leading scorer, as he did not have his usual burst. If this continues, then it will force many to think his time is up.

However, with the schedule easing this month, the 4-time league MVP could recoup some expended energy and work his way back to peak conditioning.

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