“You want me to watch that f**king game still” – 3X NBA all-star questions Lakers ‘Big Three’ while blaming Rob Pelinka for team's issues
The LA Lakers had one of their worst starts to a season in franchise history. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas believes general manager Rob Pelinka is to blame.
While many didn't expect the Lakers to be championship contenders, no one anticipated that they would be this bad. They are 14th in the Western Conference with a 4-10 record.
Russell Westbrook's struggles were the main issue earlier in the season. But the all-time triple-double leader has become more productive since being relegated to the second unit.
On the "No Chill with Gilbert Arenas" podcast, Arenas questioned whether the Lakers are a bad team or have just been unlucky. He believes it is a combination of both.
Arenas blames Pelinka for putting together a bad team.
"There's both. The bad luck that they got Pelinka, right? And he created a bad team. That's how we gonna do that one. So, LeBron didn't play, right? He didn't play last game, right? And Russ came off the bench still, right? And you want me to watch that f**king game still? "
"LeBron's gone, Westbrook still comes off the bench? All right. Y'all playing with my emotions, the Lakers."
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The idea of Westbrook coming off the bench with LeBron James sidelined does not sit right with Arenas. It makes more sense to have Westbrook come off the bench when James is in the lineup. Both are ball-dominant players and do not mesh well while playing together. With James out, many expected Westbrook to be inserted back into the starting lineup.
However, they did not want to mess with their chemistry. Westbrook has played well since being relegated to the second unit. He's played a significant role in their recent wins.
How far can the Lakers go without LeBron James?
James is in the twilight of his career and is not as dominant as he used to be. Regardless, he is expected to lead the team to another championship. James has missed four games this season.
The Lakers will have to win games without the 18-time All-Star. Many have called on Anthony Davis to carry the team. The big man showed flashes of brilliance in his last two games. They have a 2-2 record without James, and are 2-8 when he is in the lineup.
The Lakers have kept themselves afloat in James' absence. However, they have a lot of tough games coming up. They will need James back in the lineup if they want to contend for a playoff spot.
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