The more games pass, the more the Lakers’ title chances get closer to 0. After the last loss to Dallas, Dwyane Wade got angry with LeBron James and his teammates, and questioned everyone’s motivation.
If things don’t change soon, these 2021/2022 version Lakers could become one of the most disappointing teams ever. Indeed, when Russell Westbrook was repatriated to his hometown from Washington, many experts imagined him forming a monstrous trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis… But ultimately, the results are the only monstrosity in Los Angeles.
If the King always does everything in his power to carry his own, he is far from being helped by his luxury lieutenants. Anthony Davis never plays due to injuries, and when he does play he doesn’t seem entirely concerned when Westbrook goes through the season like a ghost. He also took used to getting booed by the Crypto.com Arena audiencethat is to say.
Dwyane Wade appeals to Lakers honor
But despite obvious and recurrent evils, some still think that Frank Vogel’s men are capable of going all the way to the title, which would be a real surprise. This is not the case of Dwyane Wade, who spoke following the heavy defeat against the Mavericks. LeBron’s former teammate believes the only thing the Purple and Gold have to fight for now is their honor.
There is no sense of urgency in this team… Honestly, at this level, it’s not even a question of the title race or anything, it’s just a question of pride. There is no pride when this team is on the field. I feel like they are like magnets repelling each other.
For Dwyane Wade, the Lakers should no longer worry about the title. As they slide dangerously towards 11th place in the Western Conference, Flash believes that LeBron James and his teammates should simply play to restore their honor, to regain their pride. If the results follow, so much the better, but if they don’t follow, the players can at least have the feeling of having given their all.
And if Frank Vogel still thinks his group capable of achieving the feat of seeking the title, the experts are beginning to realize that the Purple and Gold simply do not have the level to mingle in the fight with the best teams. Even with an impeccable state of mind, it is not certain that the 2020 champions will manage to reach the play-in or leave it.
The Lakers need to start showing off their pride… LeBron James is a huge champion, and Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis are in the league’s Top 75. It’s up to them to prove it on the pitch with a minimum of determination.
