The Los Angeles Lakers are already at a major crossroads.
After a stunning blowout defeat to Miami on Wednesday, LeBron James‘ team has lost six of its last eight games.
A 41-point loss to the Heat, James’ old squad, became a new low point in a season already filled with them.
The Lakers’ poor form and lack of intensity on the hardwood left former Los Angeles great James Worthy furious.
So furious that the Hall of Famer was adamant the Lakers and their $200 million roster must take a bus to their next game instead of hopping on a plane.
“It’s just not cool,” said Worthy, a three time NBA champion and Hall of Famer.
“They need to get on the bus tonight and get some White Castle burgers and drive to Atlanta.
“They need to think about who they are and what they need to do. Because what they’re doing right now ain’t even close to Laker basketball — not even close.”
Fans were just as furious, blaming everything from JJ Redick‘s rookie coaching to James’ advancing age and Davis’ bad shooting.
Redick is 12-10 since taking over the Lakers — before that the former NBA sharpshooter co-hosted a podcast with James.
The King is 39 and almost of his key numbers are down this season.
Meanwhile, Davis was 3-of-14 from the field on Wednesday and the Lakers were minus-29 when the supposed MVP candidate was on the court.
4
4
4
“I’m embarrassed,” Redick said.
“We’re all embarrassed. It’s not a game I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism.
“There has to be some ownership on the court. And I’ll take all the ownership in the world — this is my team and I lead it, and I’m embarrassed.”
The Lakers are currently ninth in the Western Conference, half a game ahead of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
With James approaching 40 and retirement looming, Los Angeles’ championship-or-bust mentality is already breaking.
That reality has fans trying to figure out if The King should be moved or Davis should be dealt before the February 6 trade deadline.
The Lakers hired Redick hoping to turn AD into their future franchise cornerstone.
With James being celebrated for playing with his 20-year-old son Bronny — even though the latter is averaging 0.7 points in the NBA and spending time in the G League — Davis is the most likely trade candidate.
“Trade Anthony Davis NOW,” one fan tweeted.
“It’s time for Lakers to trade Anthony Davis while he has some market value,” a second fan posted. “This guy really sucks.”
“Not even joking, trade Anthony Davis to the highest bidder and ask Bron if wants to stay or go,” a third fan wrote.
