After suffering the fifth-worst loss in franchise history to the Philadelphia 76ers Monday night by a score of 138-94, the Los Angeles Lakers are left with a moment of self-reflection as they look for a way to get back on track. This loss was not just a one-sided blowout for NBA superstar LeBron James but the biggest of his career.
After the game, James was asked by the media about the changes the Lakers would need to implement to prevent this type of loss in the future, to which he simply responded, “A lot.”
The frustration on James’ part is evident. The Lakers made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last year, though they were swept in four games by the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets. Even still, suffering a 40+ point loss to any team is nothing short of embarrassing. While it wasn’t a signature performance by LeBron in Monday night’s game, he still carried the load offensively for his team
The Lakers as a team struggled not only to defend the three, but to find their own shots from deep as well. Los Angeles’ lack of shooting from range has been a story for over half a decade. While they have been able to overcome that weakness in the past, specifically during one single and very unique season, there is no longer escaping the fact that it is far more difficult to succeed in this league without a three-point presence as a team.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So far this season, the Lakers are in the bottom three in the league in both three-point percentage and three-point rate. That type of production, or lack thereof, will not make the road any easier for the team now, or in the playoffs. James mentioned “A lot” needed to change for this team moving forward. Improving the team’s three-point ability should be at the top of the list.
Many are quick to interpret James’ comments as a desire for the Lakers to make a move on the trade market sooner rather than later, and that very well may be the case, but one important factor that fans must remember is that the Lakers are heavily restricted in potential trade moves until Jan. 15th.
This is due to the extensions signed by D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reeves, as all three players were signed with “Bird rights,” which allowed the Lakers to resign them despite going over the salary cap.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Once that Jan. 15th date has passed, the Lakers will have far more flexibility on the trade market. Until then, any changes will most likely come from within, which is certainly not encouraging to both the fanbase and by all appearances, LeBron James himself.
