The Lakers are on the verge of a huge disaster, and some observers are already demanding that heads roll on the Crimson and Gold side. A key member of the franchise is particularly targeted… A famous analyst has clearly advised the franchise to part with it.
With the defeat tonight against the Nuggets (129-118), the Lakers are more than ever in danger of seeing their season end after 82 games. San Antonio having won against Portland at the same time, there are now two wins between the two franchises fighting for the last slot for the Play-In. Stuck in 11th place (31-47), the Californians are going beyond a complete disaster despite the fact that they can on paper count on a superteam.
Not surprisingly, many are (very) unhappy with the misadventure of the 2020 champion, whom they saw on the roof of the league this season. It is therefore the hunt for scapegoats that is now launched, and there should be quite a few on the side of the Crypto.com Arena. On ESPN, Stephen A. Smith in any case did not pretend and chose to overwhelm coach Frank Vogel. It’s not the first time the analyst has asked for his head, but his last diatribe is particularly salty:
Stephen A. Smith demands Frank Vogel’s dismissal
In the end, it is Frank Vogel who is responsible for it. And the reason is that it’s not just an accusation on his coaching ability. It’s not just a question of if you give him players, does he know what to do with them or even if he should be head coach again or not because I think that’s it – Frank Vogel will be gone at the end of this season.
I don’t know if anyone noticed, but the Los Angeles Lakers have spent the last two weeks looking like they’ve given up, they don’t seem to care what happens to them. It’s an indictment against the coach. How can his players play like this when he coaches this team?
He’s not the only culprit, that’s not what I’m trying to say at all. But the fact is that he had the opportunity to make the most of it. Frank Vogel has shown his inability to do so and as a result since at least two of these players aren’t going anywhere. I think inevitably the Lakers have to stop the charges and make a coaching change.
The words are damning, but difficult to contradict the veteran journalist. Same Russell Westbrookwhom Smith indirectly names at the end of his statement, no longer holds back his blows when asked about the coach’s tactical choices. If he has kept the confidence of his leaders during the exercise, it is increasingly difficult to believe that it will last beyond the summer. The interested party can therefore already prepare to change dairies…
Stephen A. Smith expresses it frankly, Frank Vogel must imperatively be thanked by the Lakers. Not sure that’s enough, but a complete tactical change could be a first step towards redemption in 2022-23.
