The LA Lakers have not been going through a great time in the NBA as 2024 comes to a close and one expert gives some sharp analysis.
That of course comes from the ESPN direction on this.
JJ Reddick and then Kendrick Perkins speaking after the Lakers’ latest 41-point loss this to the Hawks said via ESPN:
“We’re all embarrassed—it’s not just me. It wasn’t a game where we showed the right fight or professionalism. Everything he said is 100% correct. I can’t physically organize us, can’t physically get into the basketball, can’t call out defensive rotations and coverages by myself. Everything he said is accurate.
And just to clarify, I’m not blaming the players. This is on me—I own it. But we’re going to need some ownership on the court as well. Coaches alone can’t fix this; it’s definitely on all of us. We’re in a tough stretch, and we’re all trying to figure it out.
That tough stretch for L.A. has included losing six of the last eight games. Not to point fingers, but LeBron James has had the worst plus-minus of any eight-game stretch in his career at -120. The good news? On Friday in Atlanta, he was a +3.
Nicole, what do we think of these City Edition Lakers uniforms? Personally, I prefer classic designs—just two uniforms, maybe add a black one. I get where you’re coming from, though. But LeBron, he looks great in them—especially hitting that jumper to put L.A. up by four.
However, Trae Young’s assists were the story of the night. He found Dyson Daniels, whose fourth-quarter efforts were crucial, putting the Hawks from one point down to one point ahead.
On the Lakers’ next possession, Gabe Vincent lobbed it to Anthony Davis, who finished 15-of-17 from the floor in a dominant performance. But the Hawks kept it close. With 30 seconds left, De’Andre Hunter, who had 26 points off the bench, scored to put the Hawks up by two.
LeBron responded in kingly fashion, creating a highlight play to join the 41,000-point club and tie the game at 119. The Lakers managed a stop in the final seconds of regulation, thanks to Max Christie’s block on Trae Young’s three-point attempt, pushing the game into overtime.
In OT, a loose ball found LeBron wide open for a three—one of six he made in the game. The Lakers went up by two. But Trae Young answered with a banked-in shot to tie it again. Gabe Vincent knocked down a clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers a lead, but Daniels’ defense and hustle proved pivotal. He not only scored 11 points but also had four steals, including a critical late-game sequence.
Anthony Davis was phenomenal, finishing with 38 points and 10 rebounds. Yet, a late turnover by the Lakers allowed Trae Young to hit a game-winning triple, securing a 30-point, 20-assist performance—the first of its kind in Hawks franchise history. LeBron ended with a 39-point triple-double, but his potential game-winning shot fell short.
Postgame, JJ Redick commented:
“We did enough to win tonight—just like we did in Orlando and Oklahoma City. We did enough to win a basketball game, and I’m very appreciative of that. There’s something to build on there. We can adjust and tweak things for late-game situations. That’s progress we can work with.
“We’re short-handed with AR out, Vando out, Christian Wood not having played yet, and Jackson still out. These are big pieces. As for what gets us over the hump? I’m not sure, but we just need to keep our heads above water and not drown.”
The Lakers had history-making individual performances: the first NBA game to feature a 35-point, 20-assist game and a 35-point triple-double. LeBron and AD became just the sixth duo in NBA history to post 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists each in the same game. But despite their combined 77 points, the Lakers lost again, making it three losses in a row.
Kendrick Perkins weighed in:
“The Lakers right now are dysfunctional. They don’t know who they are and need help. LeBron said, ‘As long as we’re not drowning.’ But they are drowning. They need reinforcements. LeBron and AD can’t do it alone if this team wants to contend for a title. The coaching staff shouldn’t have to beg for defensive effort night after night.
“They’re still missing a playmaker to relieve some of the pressure on LeBron. He’s 39, and he’s playing extended minutes, handling the ball, making decisions, and scoring at an absurd rate. That’s too much to ask, especially in the tough Western Conference.”
The Lakers is still an iconic brand and name just in the NBA but in sports history, and still have many great players currently and legends of the sport too.
They are surely too big to fail long term and will turn things around sooner rather than later.
