SUMMARY
- LeBron James expressed concern about the Lakers' health issues, pointing out that top teams like Minnesota and Boston are mostly healthy, while the Lakers are currently dealing with injuries.
- LeBron's statement sparked various reactions from fans, with some interpreting it as a hint at a potential trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced a challenging game on Christmas Day against the Boston Celtics, which finally ended in an 11-point loss. a game that many expected to be a potential statement win. After the match, Lakers star LeBron James shared his views on the team’s performance and their chances of winning the championship.
James stated the strengths of other teams like Minnesota and Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting their healthy rosters. In comparison, he pointed out the Lakers’ health issues, which he believed currently preventing them from competing effectively against the league’s best teams.
“I don’t think we’re where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams.”👀
– LeBron James on the Lakers
(Via @LakersDailyCom ) pic.twitter.com/GUmUP6hQH5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 26, 2023
“I think the league’s best teams so far. Minnesota, they’re pretty much healthy. OKC, they’re pretty much healthy besides Giddey. Boston, they’re fully healthy. I don’t think we’re healthy right now. I don’t think we’re where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams until we continue on getting better and better… We will be better.” James said.
LeBron James says the Lakers’ lack of health relative to the league’s top teams has been a challenge in developing the consistency needed to compete at their best. “We’re still trying to figure out our situation as far as how we want to continue to attack each game” pic.twitter.com/JdU0DjoOlQ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 26, 2023
James’ statement sparked various reactions from fans. One fan wrote, “LeBron hinting at a trade, we’re almost there ladies and gentlemen.” Some expressed their disappointment with his leadership, with comments like, “How about you stop laughing with opponents after every loss,” and “Because you are a terrible leader @KingJames MJ would have this team as the first seed.”
Despite these setbacks, the Lakers had initially succeeded in building a roster to manage injury issues, keeping them above .500. However, their recent 2-6 record in the last eight games, has raised questions, especially as the team has been regaining health.
Further increasing the problem is the injury to Gabe Vincent, who may be out until late February. After this news, the Lakers will explore trade options to strengthen their team without sacrificing their depth.
LeBron James shares troubling news for Lakers fans
During the second quarter of the game against the Celtics, LeBron James had a concerning incident when his knee collided with the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. Both players were visibly in pain, they managed to finish the game, but their performance was affected.
After the game, James briefly addressed his knee’s condition, stating, “It’s still here. My knee is a little sore right now.” James finished the game with 16 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists but struggled with his shooting accuracy.
Report: That injury seemed to be something that kind of came and went
LeBron: “It’s still here. My knee is a little sore right now.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) December 26, 2023
The Celtics secured the win, led by Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum, while Anthony Davis’ outstanding 40 points and 13 rebounds were not enough for the Lakers to win. LeBron James’ recent ankle issue and the knee incident have raised questions about his fitness. Despite these challenges, he is averaging 25.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in the current season.
However, with his 39th birthday approaching and recent health concerns, the Lakers may need to reconsider the playing time of their star player. They will next host the Charlotte Hornets after a three-day rest.