Calum Roche

LA LAKERS

What's up with the

The idea was that 2022 would see the Lakers make a real push for the NBA Championship.

With LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook in the roster, this team was lit. But things have not gone to plan.

Davis and LeBron have suffered injuries, while the biggest offseason acquisition, Westbrook, has just not delivered.

Failing to acquire Kyle Lowry at last season’s trade deadline was seen as a serious mistake.

At No. 20 in the league, the Lakers defense is proving to be their biggest issue, with neither Westbrook nor Davis performing.

…some have even suggested that Davis is pulling LeBron’s level down.

Head coach Frank Vogel is now under severe pressure even though he took the Lakers to the 2020 title.

Despite the failings, LeBron often carries the team to wins, and is also happy to take the blame when things go wrong…

“I’ll be better on Friday” - LeBron after Rockets defeat.

LeBron recently became the first player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points, rebounds and assists respectively.

But LeBron cannot carry the team in every game, and overusing the 37-year old is a major concern.

On a more positive note, youngsters Malik Monk, Austin Reaves and Stanley Johnson have shown glimpses of the future.

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