LeBron James’ play on Sunday has done nothing to quiet the perception that the Lakers have packed it in this season.
A video clip from the Lakers’ 140-111 blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday went viral. In the clip, James is shown putting forth little-to-no effort on a series of consecutive possessions early in the game.
You can watch the clip below and note that James literally is not even in the screen for a few of the possessions. On others, he puts forth zero effort into contesting a shot or trying to rebound.
4 possessions
1. LeBron isn’t on the screen
2. LeBron doesn’t close out
3. LeBron jogs to the paint & doesn’t go for rebound
4. LeBron isn’t on the screen pic.twitter.com/uDUFdJqxtC— Jake Reetz (@jajareetz) March 14, 2022
Even ESPN’s announcers made note of James’ effort level.
“We’ve seen LeBron James quite a few times tonight just decide he’s not gonna run back on defense,” play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco said later in the game.
"We've seen LeBron James quite a few times tonight just decide he's not gonna run back on defense." pic.twitter.com/WLobLwU8xT
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 14, 2022
It’s possible, and quite likely, that James was frustrated with one of his teammates, which led to his poor effort on a few plays.
LeBron was *seemingly* so frustrated with those back 2 back Russ FGA’s, he never even returned to the screen on the defensive end. Reason to be frustrated, but Lakers have NO chance without at least *some* effort from LBJ on defense. Team takes all its cues from him.
— Aaron Larsuel (@AaronLarsuel) March 14, 2022
But when you’re the team leader and that’s all you’re giving, how can you expect the rest of your team to play any differently? They’re not, which is why the Lakers are 29-38.
