3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA title hopes are dead
Reason #3: The Los Angeles Lakers are succumbing to the Disease of More!
Last season was a perfect blend of Disney-infused chemistry inside the bubble. Each player on the team knew their role and executed it to the best of their ability.
That’s not describing this season’s Lakers.
Maybe a clue of the Lakers mindset can be read in this season’s general headlines:
- Kyle Kuzma inks $40 million extension
- Marc Gasol not happy over his reduced playing time
- Talen Horton-Tucker set to get a monster contract soon
- Montrezl Harrell hustling his way to more playing time
- Dennis Schroder rejects massive contract extension from Lakers
Notice the Lakers headlines are centered on ME, not WE.
The 1986 iteration of the Lakers had this same problem. Then-Lakers coach Pat Riley coined it the “Disease of More” meaning individual needs were prioritized over team goals.
This season’s Lakers have a very similar problem.
On the surface, things look normal. Everyone is saying all the right things in the press room. The bench is as positive and as enthusiastic as last season.
As it was how Riley described the 1986 Lakers.
It’s one thing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to be selfish. Their roles are so outsized that the team identity is primarily based on their personality and leadership traits. And on that note, there are no (known) issues relating to LeBron and AD’s leadership skills.
The problem is the role players now want the same kind of spotlight and attention afforded LeBron and AD, whether it’s on the court or in the press room.
That’s unacceptable.
Maybe I’m wrong. But I doubt it.
dark. Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time
If I am, the Los Angeles Lakers are running out of time to prove it.