Things are getting REALLY bad for the Los Angeles Lakers, just three games into the 2022-23 season.
They lost 106-104 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, with the team going 6-for-33 from deep (!), proof that the squad’s continued shooting woes are going to plague them the rest of the season unless something changes (you know, like a trade!).
The latest moment we’d like to discuss: With the Lakers up 102-101 in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbook took a somewhat open (because Jusuf Nurkic didn’t really challenge him!) midrange shot that clanged off the rim.
Fans on Twitter were quick to notice LeBron James had this reaction:
here is LeBron’s reaction to Westbrook’s decision with 30 seconds lefthttps://t.co/KATe2kYAyu pic.twitter.com/0iE0dEGwef
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 23, 2022
LeBron James and Anthony Davis disgusted after Russell Westbrook bricks a jumper with a 102-101 lead. 17 seconds were left on the shot clock and 30 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/GAa7zWAuRl
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) October 23, 2022
He’s right! Why take that shot? If you’re struggling like Westbrook is, you’ve got to do something different. And let that clock run down, too!
James was careful not to go there when he was asked about it after the loss:
LEBRON: "I feel like this an interview to try to set me up to say something…You guys can write about Russ & all the things you guys want to try to talk about Russ. I'm not up here to do that. I won't do it. I've said it over & over. It's not who I am." pic.twitter.com/n1P0BpaMFh
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 24, 2022
Smart, I guess. But this is all really bad right now and I don’t see how it could get better anytime soon with the roster constructed the way it is.
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
[listicle id=1975256]