LeBron James Doesn’t Mince Words Comparing Lakers and OKC Thunder: “We Can’t Sustain Energy and Effort”

LeBron James had some harsh words for his team after their loss to the Thunder on Monday.

LeBron James Doesn’t Mince Words Comparing Lakers and OKC Thunder: “We Can’t Sustain Energy and Effort”

NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James criticized the Lakers' inability to sustain energy and effort compared to the championship-caliber Thunder.
  • The Lakers' loss to the Thunder ended their three-game winning streak, dropping their record to 32-20.
  • Defensive struggles continue to plague the Lakers, as they were outrebounded and failed to execute late in the game.

It was always going to be a tall ask for LeBron James and co. as they took on the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams were without their star point guards, Luka Doncic and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the end, the Thunder came out on top 119-110 at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.

The Lakers are in the middle of a long eight-game home stretch. The loss put an end to their three-match winning streak, and their record dropped to 32-20 as they sit at fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Thunder, who have had some struggles since the turn of the year, continue to lead the standings with a 41-13 record.

It was a competitive match till the end. But some poor late-game executions and missed opportunities gave the Thunder an important win. It was their second clash of the season. In their first meeting, the Thunder blew the Lakers away 121-92.

Despite their impressive record, the Lakers are still not viewed as championship contenders this season due to their poor defense, especially against young and athletic teams like the Thunder. LeBron James, who has shown no signs of slowing down after turning 41, recorded a double-double as he posted 22 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the Lakers shot just 10-of-31 from three-point range despite generating spacing against a defense ranked near the top of the league.

Following the loss, James was asked how the Lakers compare to a team like the Thunder at this point in the season. The four-time champion did not hold himself back with his answer:

You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there we’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won a championship.

While James leads the way in Doncic’s absence, the Slovenian guard is the focal point of this team. The star guard is considered day-to-day as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury.

Lakers’ flaws exposed once again

There is no doubt that the Lakers boast arguably the best offensive backcourt trio in the league, comprising Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves. Reaves has been coming off the bench since his return from injury. The 27-year-old played 29 minutes and ended the night with 16 points, two rebounds and seven assists.

But it was their defense that cost them the game once again, especially down the stretch. It is an issue that he been lingering throughout the season. The Thunder outrebounded the Lakers 45-37, including a 14-9 edge on the offensive glass, and led for 68% of the game.

They have another difficult game coming up against the second seeds and a young San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back. With Doncic ruled out and James uncertain for back-to-backs, it will be up to the rest of the team to step up against an in-form Spurs.

Alex Caruso on guarding LeBron James

Alex Caruso and James share a history together. Caruso played an important role in helping the Lakers win the championship in 2020. The 31-year-old’s defense for the Thunder was instrumental last season as they claimed their maiden championship.

One of the most versatile defenders in the league, Caruso was asked about guarding James at this stage of their respective careers in his post-match press conference.

Alex Caruso guarding LeBron James
Alex Caruso guarding LeBron James (Image credits – Lakers Daily/X)

It’s tough, man. He’s a strong dude and he’s still 6’8. He’s a really hard matchup for a lot of guys in the league. Not a lot of people have a 6’8, 250-pound guy that can handle his moves. It’s always fun competing against the greats of the league, of the history of the league. I try to rise to the occasion and compete and play well because that’s the fun part about the NBA. It’s testing yourself against the best.

Caruso had a solid display on the offensive end, as he scored 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting and made three of his four three-pointers. The two sides are scheduled for two more games in the first week of April.

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