Throughout 2018's sports seasons, we have heard the phrase #BeatLA a lot. This slogan comes from when the Celtics were losing in the conference finals to the 76ers, and started chanting "Beat LA!", because they wanted Philly to defeat the hated Lakers. The saying came up when the Boston Red Sox played the LA Dodgers in the world series, and again when the Pats played the Chargers and Rams in the playoffs. However, in the basketball world, we are using this phrase to show the miserable state of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Coming into the year, the Lakers looked like they were in a good spot. They had just signed the greatest basketball player of our generation, and had a very solid young cast including Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram. In most peoples predictions, the Lakers were a playoff team, and maybe even top four in the West. 3/4 of the way through the year, the Lakers sit at a measly 30-34, and are a full 5.5 games back on the 8th seeded Spurs.
Some of this problem can be directed at LeBron James' injury. On Christmas Day, LeBron pulled his groin just as the Lakers were coming together as a team. He missed 18 games, and the Lakers went 6-12 in that stretch. Another concerning area, is their free agent acquisitions. LeBron asked Magic Johnson to sign tough, hard workers rather than the shooters he is used to. The signings of Javale McGee, Rajon Rondo, and Lance Stephenson were very confusing. At every stage of LeBron's career he has had shooters that could knock down shots if he got in trouble. Now, they had no emergency backup plan.
Finally, team chemistry was a huge problem, and is the reason for the Lakers recent slump. At the trade deadline, while LA was pursuing superstar Anthony Davis, it was leaked that LeBron tried trading away practically his entire team for AD. After the deal was rejected, the Lakers had a problem. Imagine trying to play with someone that decided that you weren't good enough for him. They also have been feuding with coach Luke Walton, and he is expected to get fired after the end of next year.
After losing 7 of their last 9 games, the Lakers need to change. LeBron has shown no effort on defense, and he needs to step up and carry a larger load. The Lakers need to close out the season on an insane winning streak if they want any hope of making it to the playoffs. Of they do not step up in free agency and work out their kinks, the Lakers and LeBron's legacy could be ruined.
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