The Los Angeles Lakers had a very slow start to their season this year but the team is slowly making more efforts as the season progresses. Now that the season is halfway through, the middle order Lakers have left their fans and followers concerned on their chances of being in the playoffs.
As for the performances being put up, the Lakers have not built a rhythm to follow. They have turning over the ball frequently and have been shooting the ball awfully. Analysts around the league have blamed Russell Westbrook for his lack in proper involvement while some others have blamed it on age and Anthony Davis, who has been out due to injuries.
The Lakers were able to grab a win against the Sacramento Kings 122-114 without turning the ball over more than five times most of which can be accredited to Westbrook for being more brisk. But as usual LeBron James carried most of the weight yet again.
Chris Broussard tries to humble LeBron James
On the First Things First show featuring Nick Wright, Jenna Wolfe, Kevin Wildes and Chris Broussard himself, Chris had this to say, “I watched every moment of that game, LeBron was fantastic so was Malik Monk by the way. LeBron’s been great this whole season. I love his enthusiasm, that fact that he is emotionally invested… against the Sacramento Kings. However this is beneath King. While I can appreciate your enthusiasm, it’s freaking Kings. You’re better than that.”
Broussard was certainly not having it after Lakers bagged an “easy” win against the Sacramento Kings. Both teams had kept the score very close until the fourth quarter which according to some should not have been the case.
“Save this for Phoenix, for Golden State, for Milwaukee, for Brooklyn. Not the Sacrament Kings who had Damion Jones starting.” said Broussard directed to LeBron James. At this point, any win is a great win but Broussard’s criticism can be termed valid considering the amount of experience they with just Westbrook and LeBron alone.
As the Lakers slowly catch up with the rest of the league, they are yet to beat teams that are contending for the title or that are of their caliber.
LeBron James continues to carry sinking Lakers
LeBron James has been averaging just over 30 points per game since the beginning of the month pf December. He had a massive 43 point game against the Portland Trail Blazers shooting 16-26 from the field and grabbing 14 rebounds. He has 31 points during the Kings game shooting 12-26 from the field.
This season he averages 28.6 points per game with 7.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists shooting 52% from the field and attempting a significantly higher amount of threes. The last time the 19 year veteran averaged 28+ points was in 2008 during his time in Cleveland. If the Lakers are able to maintain a routine while understanding a good role and roster replacement for Westbrook, their chances of making the playoffs will double.
