“Clippers started 0-6 and still got better record” – LeBron James and co lose to Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler putting Lakers fans in panic mode

Fans are left worried after the LA Lakers lost once again, this time against Miami Heat.

“Clippers started 0-6 and still got better record” – LeBron James and co lose to Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler putting Lakers fans in panic mode

The Lakers are struggling, while the Clippers have recovered after a difficult start. (Images via Sports Illusrated, Basketball Forever)

The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in a rough patch, falling 110-96 to a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat. This loss has intensified concerns among fans in light of their rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, surpassing them in the standings despite a rocky start back when James Harden first joined them.

The game cast a harsh light on the Lakers’ struggles. LeBron James, battling a non-Covid-19 illness, couldn’t find his rhythm, and despite Anthony Davis‘ herculean effort of 29 points and 17 rebounds, the team’s overall performance was lackluster. A particularly glaring issue was their three-point shooting, with a woeful 4-for-30 from beyond the arc.

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Head coach Darvin Ham wasn’t very happy with the Lakers’ performance either post-game:

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We'll look at the film, definitely try to get better from it… The unforced turnovers are the ones that really hurt you; we had 10… It's human nature for you to get down and disappointed when those unfortunate things happen but at the end of the day, it's NBA basketball... we'll figure it out.

The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other hand, have made a remarkable recovery after losing 6 straight games after acquiring James Harden. Their recovery from a dismal start to the fourth spot in the Western Conference is a stark contrast to the Lakers’ ongoing woes. This has led to increased scrutiny of the Lakers’ coaching and management.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat was particularly disheartening, with fans pointing out the irony of the situation. Tweets underlined the unexpected downfall of a team that was recently considered a championship favorite after it won the In-Season Tournament.

Fans disappointed and upset with the Lakers’ slump

The Lakers’ fanbase, known for its passion and high expectations, is voicing its discontent loud and clear. Criticism has been directed at both the players and the coaching staff, with some fans even urging the Lakers to fire Darvin Ham.

The Lakers lost their third straight game against the Miami Heat despite Anthony Davis' 29 points and 17 rebounds (Reuters)
The Lakers lost their third straight game against the Miami Heat despite Anthony Davis’ 29 points and 17 rebounds (Reuters)

Here are some reactions on X:

The pressure continues to mount as the Lakers grapple with their identity and struggle to find a winning formula. The Lakers’ next game is against the Memphis Grizzlies, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if they can turn their fortunes around.

The Grizzlies aren’t very good at rebounding, but their offensive firepower has explosively increased ever since the return of young star Ja Morant.

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