Unfortunately, Los Angeles Lakers are the third-worst team in the Western Conference table this season. They lost three games in the past week. Moreover, the recent losses could have been avoided had the Lakers stayed vigilant toward the end. Nonetheless, the reality is that the playoff doors are closing in on the purple and gold, and they are not setting a foot right
The Lakers’ star forward, LeBron James, has been trying hard from his end. Just last game, he fell short of yet another 40-point game by just 2 points. Till now, James has scored 40+ points twice in the tournament. However, even in those games, the Lakers ended up losing. Hence, James is frustrated at the other end due to the lack of support. Moreover, former Basketball player Kendrick Perkins feels the Lakers are punishing LeBron James for bringing in Russell Westbrook by turning a blind eye to his struggle.
Kendrick Perkins Blames Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka For Trying To Punish LeBron James
One major reason for the Lakers’ downfall is the absence of Anthony Davis. AD has been MIA since December after suffering from a stress foot fracture. Moreover, AD was playing at an MVP level at the time of the injury. He was James’ biggest support from the other end. Hence, James is feeling paralyzed without concrete support. However, the Lakers support staff is not paying heed to James’ struggle and has left him hanging out dry. At least, that’s what Kendrick Perkins feels.
Former Basketball player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins blasted the Lakers’ support staff, especially Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, for ill-treating LeBron James. Perkins claimed that the Buss-Pelinka duo is purposely punishing LeBron James for acquiring Russell Westbrook. Apparently, it was LeBron who convinced the Lakers to trade Westbrook. However, Russell’s time at the Lakers has been a bouncy ride. Hence, Kendrick feels that the Lakers want to remind LeBron of his wrong decision by hanging him out dry alone on the court.
“It feels like Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are punishing LeBron James for the Russell Westbrook trade!,” says Kendrick Perkins
Darvin Ham Admits Imposing Heavy Workload On LeBron
Amid the claims, Lakers head coach, Darvin Ham, admitted the increasing workload on their superstar, LeBron James. While admitting the fact, he favored the management by saying that the team could not afford to bench a player of James’ stature. Moreover, Ham added that James has a burning desire to win, and his competitiveness is needed on the court to motivate his peers.
Keeping all things aside, the purple and gold need to understand that they simply cannot reply on LeBron James alone. They need to find a player capable of supporting him from the other end in each and every game. As of now, this looks like the only solution for the Lakers, as the return of Anthony Davis looks unlikely any time soon.
