A small defeat conceded after a good series, and here are the Lakers under fire from critics. The setback against Indiana in particular earned heavy criticism from LeBron James, who was even directly attacked by one of his former teammates!
Everything is going very fast in the NBA, whether in one direction or the other. If he was already aware of it after 19 seasons in the league, LeBron James was able to recheck it in the last few hours. Covered with praise after his card delivered on the floor of the Spurs, the leader of the Lakers suffered the opposite phenomenon following the defeat against the Pacers. And even his lifelong supporters turned their backs on him on this one.
Kendrick Perkins takes his turn at LeBron James
Despite a substantial lead of 17 points with 10 minutes to go, Darvin Ham’s men ended up folding on their floor, crucified by a buzzer beater out of nowhere. An incredible and unforgivable scenario for some fans, whose coach Angelino took full responsibility after the meeting. However, for Kendrick Perkins, it would not be the coach, but LeBron who deserves to be found guilty:
.@KendrickPerkins blames LeBron for the Lakers’ blown 4th quarter lead vs. Indiana:
« How in the hell did Anthony Davis only shoot two shots? Why didn’t LeBron James take control and go to the point guard position and force-feed Anthony Davis? » pic.twitter.com/CfIL3xa9iU
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 29, 2022
I can’t point fingers at Darvin Ham, or Russell Westbrook. It’s LeBron James’s fault, and here’s why. If someone asks me who is the best player in the Lakers right now, I answer Anthony Marshon Davis. We are talking about a player who, over the last 6 games, has 32 points and 16 rebounds per game, and 62% shooting! So I wonder how Anthony Davis could only take 2 shots in the last quarter.
How does LeBron not understand the need to overfeed Anthony Davis at such times? We’ve been waiting for this version of AD for two years. (…) I think it’s time for LeBron to give him the keys to the truck. And not half, totally! It wasn’t Darvin Ham, it was LeBron to say, “You know what, AD? Let us win. I will set up systems to give you the ball, and you will make us win. »
Like other analysts who protest against the treatment reserved for the Unibrow, Perk is surprised that the latter is so little used in money-time. A statement all the more incomprehensible knowing that Davis is by far the most skilful Laker in the clutch (50%). The ex-pivot therefore implores LBJ to put his pride aside, and let his interior become the #1 option for Purple & Gold!
Draft in the final minutes of the game against the Pacers, LeBron James would be the Laker to blame according to Kendrick Perkins. For the former ally of the King, the time for the transfer of power with Anthony Davis would even have come to Los Angeles!
