LeBron James leaves game as Russell Westbrook misses rim on two shots
Last season, the Lakers’ quest to repeat as champions ended at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. The Suns, led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, went to the NBA Finals and went up 2-0. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo was playing out of his mind. This became infectious and led the Milwaukee Bucks on a four game winning streak. Winning four games gave the Bucks the title. Injuries slowed down teams like the Lakers and Nets, who were expected to play for the title.
Entering this season, conventional wisdom said the Lakers, Nets, Sixers, Clippers, Jazz, and Hawks would be among the NBA’s best teams. With the Lakers, they went to work reconstructing the 2020 championship roster. Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo returned, as Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony were added. Plus, Anthony Davis was healthy for the season. Chemistry and injury issues have slowed the Lakers. Meanwhile, the West has been led by the Suns, Warriors, Grizzlies, Jazz, Mavericks, and Nuggets.
Russell Westbrook has taken much of the heat for the Lakers’ struggles. Through most of the season, the Lakers held the eighth spot in the West. Normally, that would be good enough for a playoff spot. A rule change makes it play-in range. But the Lakers have now lost the play-in spot. Last night, the Lakers played the Suns. Early in the game, Westbrook missed the rim on two of his shots. Not long after, LeBron James left the game. The Suns would win 140-111 over the Lakers, at home.
LeBron James leaves game as Russell Westbrook misses rim on two shots
