LA Lakers fans roast LeBron James after team keeps winning in his absence: "This guy is not Kobe", "Team performs and flows better without him?"
LA Lakers fans are jumping for joy at the moment as their beloved Purple and Gold are on a three-game win streak. Anthony Davis is taking care of the offensive load, while Russell Westbrook and the rest of the team are supporting him. The Lakers are currently getting the job done without their leader LeBron James.
It's a good sign for the LA Lakers since they no longer have to rely on James to win games. However, winning in his absence has put fans under the impression that the team is better without him. Many people on social media have begun calling out LBJ and expressing their feelings. Some of them want James to leave LA, while others wish he'd retire already.
Some fans are even addressing the fact that the Lakers are winning without James' ball dominance. They've noticed that the ball rotation is flowing better now that he's temporarily out of the lineup.
A couple of Twitter users pointed out:
"@LakersNation We ALL see it but no one is willing to say it @Lakers winning without ball dominance of @KingJames It’s time to make a move... This guy is not Kobe You... Better load up on young guys"
@LakersNation We ALL see it but no one is willing to say it @Lakers winning without ball dominance of @KingJames It’s time to make a move @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson @LakersReporter this guy is not Kobe You better listen to @LamarOdom load up on young guys
"One cant help but ask, is the @Lakers recent success a result of @KingJames boosting his team's morale on the courtside or the team just perform & flow better without him?"
One cant help but ask, is the @Lakers recent success a result of @KingJames boosting his team's morale on the courtside or the team just perform & flow better without him? 🧐 https://t.co/Zb6ZsyZBsg
Here are some more fan reactions:
The lakers are better without @KingJames 3-0 since he’s been out
@AshleyBaker_21 @KingJames Much better take than the ones you be putting out lol Lakers are currently on a 3-game winning streak without that clown
Soo basically the @Lakers play better without @KingJames cuz they scared to play dey game when he’s active?
The Los Angeles Lakers are better WITHOUT LeBron James in the lineup, this is a fact.
Is it just me, or do the @Lakers look much better without @KingJames??? Thats not to say LeBron isn't good. But maybe, just maybe, your team shouldn't build a system around an old athlete who can't carry them anymore...
@LakersReporter The @Lakers play so much better and fluently without @KingJames
And shoot better % from 3
Trade LeBron now
I’m willing to go there… Lebron James is the biggest problem the Lakers have. Ball sticks to him too much, no one but him is able to find a rhythm. Non existent on defense at times. Without Lebron, I think this Laker team is better than they are now. Just my opinion.
@MightyyBeing @Lakers @KingJames I mean, the numbers are the numbers. When LeBron doesn’t play, AD plays a lot better. Something about Lebron being on the floor messes with AD and Westbrook. Without LeBron, A.D. and Westbrook do amazingly well, as evidenced last night. LeBron has a big silent ego and messes with
@MightyyBeing @Lakers @KingJames the chemistry of the team. People don’t know how to handle him as teammates. When LeBron isn’t playing, Anthony Davis and Westbrook are so much freer and able to just get in rhythm. It’s incredible to see.
33% of the Lakers wins have come without Lebron James on the court.
The Lakers win percentage is 13.3% better without Lebron than it is with him.
Makes you think. 🤔 https://t.co/XqY9xXqtne
Is LeBron James a problem for the LA Lakers?
LeBron James is arguably one of the greatest NBA players of all time. However, being the GOAT doesn't mean the player won't reach his downfall. Many basketball greats before James have all reached a point in their careers where they've become a shell of their former selves. Even Michael Jordan went through this phase.
It's understandable that LBJ is no longer the explosive talent he once was. He's turning 38 years old on Dec. 30. Honestly, it's impressive that he's still able to even keep up with the many young talents the NBA has today. Despite his longevity, signs of aging are beginning to become apparent in his game. Because of this, the LA Lakers now have a problem they don't want to admit.
Looking at the numbers, LeBron James still has impressive averages of 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season. On paper, it's pleasing to see such figures. But upon reviewing and analyzing his game based on the highlights, one can easily say that James is forcing his way to put up those numbers.
Now in his fifth season as part of the LA Lakers, James is posting a career-low 3-point shooting percentage. As of his last game on Nov. 10, he is shooting 23.9% from behind the arc and 45.7% overall. LBJ is attempting too many forced shots instead of efficiently rotating the ball, similar to how Russell Westbrook is currently doing it.
The possibility of eclipsing Kareem Abdul-Jabar's scoring record might be getting to James' head. Honestly, no one can blame him if that were the case.
Any NBA player would be delighted to make history in the game they love playing so much. However, at the end of the day, basketball is a team sport and he needs to start playing with the LA Lakers. Ironic for a pass-first player such as himself.