As if things could not get any worse for the Los Angeles Lakers, they are now in the midst of a five-game losing streak after dropping Saturday’s match up against the Boston Celtics.
LeBron James’ return was suppose to reignite the Lakers’ playoff hopes, but instead it had an opposite effect.
The Lakers have complied a disappointing record of 3-10 since his return.
On Thursday, Mar. 7, Senior NBA Insider for Yahoo Sports Chris Haynes reported that the Lakers front office and training staff came to a decision and placed James on a minutes-per-game restriction, meaning he will miss games where they play back-to-back nights and will also be limited to around 30 minutes per game moving forward. This came after a loss to the Denver Nuggets, bringing the Lakers to a realization that playoffs are just not achievable anymore.
Injuries have derailed the Lakers’ season now that the promising young core are all on the shelf. Brandon Ingram (Shoulder) and Lonzo Ball (Ankle) are out for the season, and Kyle Kuzma (Ankle) is questionable on returning.
According to Complex.com, reports are swirling around that many players are unhappy with Los Angeles’ head coach Luke Walton. Ingram’s father has stated that his son is very unhappy with the way the Lakers are running things according to ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith. Ball’s father, Lavar Ball, has also made it public that Luke Walton is hindering his son’s potential. According to Sporting News, Luke Walton is expected to be fired at the end of the season.
It has been a disappointing season so far and many believed the Lakers were back on the map, ready to revamp the L.A basketball culture after signing James last offseason.
The Lakers are on track to match their previous year’s record of 35-47. As of Tuesday, March 12 they are 30-36 with sixteen games left.
In spite of all the bad news circulating the Lakers, James achieved an amazing milestone Wednesday night against the Nuggets. He surpassed Michael Jordan on the NBA All-Time Scoring List.
For James, this was a momentous occasion for him, as he grew up idolizing Jordan. Now he sits fourth on the list with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in his sights.
With James having three years remaining on his contract, the Lakers are desperately ready for the offseason to commence.
The Lakers’ will travel to Chicago tonight to take on the Bulls.
