Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons in a bad loss to the OKC Thunder!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is defended by Danny Green #14 and JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder is defended by Danny Green #14 and JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 05, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Either LeBron James is hurt, coasting, or on a fast decline. You make the call!

Lake Show Life has been on LeBron James’ case a few times here and there over the last two seasons. The site has criticized his leadership, lack of defense and the inability at times to dominate when he should. That was last year. Plus, we were right.

This year was the “Revenge Season” for LeBron James. Lake Show Life was chomping at the bit to see if he could back it up.

Up until March 11th, 2020, LeBron was the comeback story of the NBA season. The team was winning. The Los Angeles Lakers were closing on the number one seed. He outplayed Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George inside of a three day period on national TV.

Remember the media actually tried to say that LeBron was the MVP?

Then something strange happened. In the first scrimmage, LeBron James combined with Anthony Davis to destroy the Dallas Mavericks. It looked like it he didn’t miss a beat. But one camera shot of LeBron being seen pulling a big block of ice out of his shorts raised suspicions in the staff.

Groin injury?

Think about how things would be looking if these two plays never happened last Thursday.

One game winning putback.

Then one defensive play at the end of the game.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1289051972998508544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1289051972998508544%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flakeshowlife.com%2F2020%2F07%2F31%2Flos-angeles-lakers-return-win-clippers%2F

Since the season has restarted, LeBron James has not played well at all. This roster is not good enough for LeBron James not to dominate alongside Anthony Davis. Now that the shooters on the team need a Dick Vitale video on how to shoot straight outside of 20 feet, makes it not an option. It’s mandatory.

LeBron scored 19 points on 19 shots. He also grabbed 11 rebounds. But here’s the problem. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a guy named Lugentz Dort defending him one on one. Other times, Chris Paul guarded him with no double team coming. That’s the point.

Dort spent time in the G-League and the Thunder had no problems allowing him to defend LeBron James. Plus he played okay. It’s a reminder of the Toronto game when OG Anonoby outplayed LeBron on Saturday.

Years ago, these players would have been dog meat.

Months ago this is a BBQ chicken alert.

What’s wrong? You make the call.