NBA analyst mocks LA Lakers on blaming Frank Vogel for previous season loss: “The Lakers need to fire Frank Vogel…Oh, they already fired Frank Vogel?"
The LA Lakers fired Frank Vogel almost before their season was over because of his seeming inability to get the most out of Russell Westbrook. Vogel was also reportedly axed because he no longer had the voice and presence to command the roster.
Three games into the season and it looks like nothing has changed for the Lakers despite Darvin Ham’s hiring as their new coach. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix on his podcast roasted the Lakers for making Vogel the scapegoat for their embarrassing failure last season:
“The Lakers need to fire Frank Vogel. Frank Vogel is the problem in Los Angeles right now. The Lakers start the season at 0-and-3, they lose to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday and Frank Vogel has got to go. His rotations are bad, his coaching acumen is just not there.
“The players are not responding to... Wait, Frank Vogel’s not there anymore? Oh, they already fired Frank Vogel? So you’re telling me Frank Vogel is not at fault?”
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Frank Vogel coached the LA Lakers to the 2020 championship behind superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Built on a balanced roster with shooting and defense as its foundation, the Lakers were nearly unstoppable on their way to the finish line.
Due to injuries to James and Anthony Davis in the 2020-21 season, the Lakers failed to go far in the playoffs. They then blew up their roster and decided to acquire Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. They picked a guy whose skill set was a misfit for all James-led teams.
The ball-dominant Westbrook promised Vogel to make whatever adjustments were necessary to fit alongside James and Davis. Russ committed to making an impact off the ball and being the third wheel on offense.
Russell Westbrook talks about playing alongside LeBron James and fitting in with the @Lakers. https://t.co/KmRcPuSVaM
Not only did Westbrook fail to keep his word, he reportedly dismissed Vogel’s instructions for most of the season. The two had several run-ins before the season ended and the Lakers eventually sacked the championship-winning coach.
Darvin Ham’s hiring supposedly breathed life into the Lakers after Vogel’s tenure. Ham’s presence exuded authority, which galvanized the players. Westbrook was reportedly excited to be held accountable, which wasn't the case under Vogel.
After three straight losses, it looks like Ham will be facing the same head-splitting problems as his predecessor. Westbrook still can’t shoot, has struggled to play next to the team's superstars and seems to be starting to push back on his limited role on offense.
Vogel's firing proved that he wasn't the problem for the LA Lakers' current situation after all.
Darvin Ham has his work cut out for him with the LA Lakers
Darvin Ham wanted the LA Lakers to be an elite defensive unit this season. In three games, they are now second in defensive rating behind the Milwaukee Bucks. With Anthony Davis and Patrick Beverley in the lineup, the defense was bound to pick up.
General manager Rob Pelinka added youth and athleticism to the roster, which has been significant in their improvement on defense. The retooled roster, however, glaringly lacked shooting on paper and it proved to be true since the Lakers’ season started.
LeBron James believes the LA Lakers can still be a playoff team without solid 3-point shooting. That hasn’t proven to be the case in their three consecutive losses. Teams blatantly left them wide open from long range to pack the paint. The Lakers are bleeding for points, which is supported by numbers.
The Lakers are shooting 25-118 from deep this season 😳 https://t.co/TLK4rjMnjA
The LA Lakers are currently last in offensive rating by a wide mile. They're also at the bottom in field-goal percentage and 3-point shooting with numbers so hideous they’re almost laughable.
Frank Vogel has long been fired, but the Lakers are still facing many of the same problems they sacked him for. Ham seemingly has a massive job on his hands to get LA's season back on track with the resources he has at his disposal.