The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in ugly fashion Monday night, 138-94. Joel Embiid poured in a 30 point triple double while also being a merchant at the free throw line. It's not like it affected the outcome, but what happened to the game I love?
Let's not make this anymore complicated that it needs to be. There has been one glaring flaw with the Lakers in the LeBron James era (outside of horrendous perimeter shooting, sleep-walking guard defense, role players who forget how to play). That flaw is Anthony Davis.
This really does pain me to say this, but AD does not have any interest in playing the game of basketball at a high level. At least doing it consistently, that is. The unwavering effort of LeBron James has gone horribly to waste as we watch 30 point triple-doubles from an almost 39 year-old man end in loss after loss. Anthony Davis, when he decides to suit up, will give you a 50/50 raffle, pick-out-of-a-hat style performance balancing between greatness and stagnant disinterest. If the latter is the case, chalk it up as a loss. If AD is dominating, you STILL can't count on a win. You know Lebron will deliver, but the young hyped guard, Austin Reeves has been shaky and inconsistent (ring a bell?). Taurean Prince has been abysmal on defense and Cam Reddish is currently yanking 3s every game likes he's a prime Klay Thompson. This team is all over the place and it is truly sad just being a few months removed from a WCF appearance. The reality is, this team is a first round exit unless something changes.
Possible avenues?
Well, as a Laker fan, it's only right I have delusional takes. I truly believe the Lakers need to make a push for another star caliber player. Anthony Davis cannot lead this team to win, it is still LeBron carrying the heavy load. DLO needs to go, at the end of the day. His defense is lackadaisical at best, and of course, spotty shooting (it's a laker thing). Could Zach LeVine be a Laker this year? Kyrie?
I am as delusional as the Lakers are bad. 'Til next time.
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