LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports)
The Lakers struggled early in their first game after the All-Star Break, as the crosstown rival Clippers made them look silly.
LeBron James and LA may now be on the same page after reports that the two sides were headed towards an eventual exit, but all is not well in Los Angeles.
The Lakers looked disinterested defensively (minus Dwight Howard) in the first half against the Clippers. Luke Kennard, of all people, hit his first four shots, including three from behind the arc.
This was all without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, both of whom are out via injury. LA fans understandably want their team to wake up from the All-Star Break slumber. The time is now to make up games in the standings.
Lakers fans upset with effort against Clippers
Without their two best players in George and Leonard, the Clippers don’t have much business playing at such a high clip than their crosstown rivals. The Lakers are running out of time to make a run, with the hopes of not just cementing their spot in the play-in tournament, but perhaps avoiding it altogether.
Fans weren’t happy with the effort early on.
Why are the lakers so lazy?
— LeOne Eye James 👑 (@MookLongway) February 26, 2022
There were many more frustrated Lakers fans. Los Angeles could still make a comeback, but one has to question their sense of urgency coming out of a long layoff.
Thankfully, the Lakers had a second half to play.