On Monday afternoon, the Lakers were still reeling from their loss to Russell Westbrook and his Oklahoma City Thunder. However, by Tuesday evening, LeBron James was attempting to light a fire under them with his blistering criticism of teammate Russell Westbrook during the game at Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena.
The “frank vogel” is a message that LeBron James and frank vogel issued to Russell Westbrook and the desperate Lakers. The “frank vogel” was a brutal message that said that the Lakers would be lucky to get even one more win in their remaining games.
On Saturday night, LeBron James returned to the Los Angeles Lakers with a fury against the New York Knicks. That includes the tough love he gave his players in his postgame remarks.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager, might be under a lot of pressure to make a move to correct the offseason’s mistakes. However, LA’s choices are restricted ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 10th. If the Lakers want to compete, they’ll have to right the ship on their own.
Following an overtime victory against the Knicks, James and head coach Frank Vogel seemed to demand a more introspective attitude.
In his epic comeback to the Lakers rotation, LeBron James recorded a triple-double.
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When LeBron James’ knee started to swell, the Lakers found themselves in a predicament. James retired to the bench out of an excess of caution, and LA said that he would not be allowed to return until the swelling had subsided.
Fortunately for the Lakers, LBJ’s absence was just temporary.
The four-time NBA MVP has been cleared to play against the Knicks on Saturday night in front of a national audience. He was up to the task.
After a five-game layoff, James returned to form with a massive triple-double. He finished with 29 points on 13-of-24 shooting, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against just three mistakes. After outscoring New York 31-13 in the third quarter, the Lakers mishandled a late lead, but they still managed to win.
After the game, LeBron said he expects everyone on the Lakers’ roster to undergo some soul searching as the team prepares for the playoffs.
Accountability is demanded by James and Frank Vogel.
How do the Lakers go up from here? “Every game, it’s all about accepting responsibility for your own choices… If you want to see change, look in the mirror and expect more from yourself, and it will trickle down to the rest of the team.” Interview with LeBron James: pic.twitter.com/LaU2V30TUs
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) February 6, 2022
Lakers fans really yelled at Russell Westbrook not to take an open three-pointer from the left corner during Saturday’s game. That type of hesitation from LeBron James is something he doesn’t want to see from his co-star.
During his postgame press conference, James revealed that he asked Westbrook to text him, per Harrison Faigen of SB Nation. LeBron said Westbrook should “never second-guess himself,” adding that he has the “utmost confidence” in Brodie’s abilities.
James sent a similar message to ESPN’s Malika Andrews shortly after the game.
The 37-year-old added that if the Lakers are to make changes, they must all see areas in which they can improve. As a result, James believes that such an attitude is beneficial to the squad.
“Every game, it’s all about accepting responsibility for your own choices… If you want to see change, look in the mirror and expect more from yourself, and it will trickle down to the rest of the team.”
–After the game, LeBron James to Malika Andrews
Some of James’ sentiments were mirrored by Lakers head coach Frank Vogel. However, his remark was in reaction to a particular question about his decision to sit Westbrook for the most of the fourth quarter and all of overtime.
Vogel said, per Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation, he hopes Westbrook responds to the late-game benching by raising his level of play.
These assertions are not new. Vogel has already shown his willingness to bench Westbrook and exert his authority as head coach. Similarly, James has attempted to ignite a run by promising supporters that the club would be “great.”
LeBron and Vogel, on the other hand, are well aware that LA need a stronger sense of urgency.
Is a healthy Lakers team capable of making a run?
On February 5, 2022, LeBron James reacts during a game against the New York Knicks | Getty Images/Ronald Martinez
With a record of 26-28, James and the Lakers are three games off of the Western Conference’s last assured postseason place, the No. 6 seed. Is it possible for a healthy Purple and Gold team to ascend the standings?
Since returning from injury, Anthony Davis has been outstanding. At the 2-guard position, Malik Monk provides a huge scoring presence and floor-spacer for the Lakers. He has the ability to play huge minutes, particularly when Westbrook is having trouble.
Although the bench isn’t particularly deep, Trevor Ariza, Austin Reaves, and Stanley Johnson all contribute, and LA figures to benefit greatly from Talen Horton-Tucker settling into a position. Carmelo Anthony’s return to full health or the addition of bench scoring will also be hoped for by the Lakers.
For the Lakers, James’ comeback is crucial.
LeBron James is averaging 29.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists through 37 games. His true shooting percentage of 61.8 percent is his highest in four seasons with the Lakers. He is the driving force behind LA’s success.
The Lakers could benefit from more wing depth and a two-way, three-and-D player. However, as James and Vogel appear to understand, they can’t depend on deadline upgrades to change the season’s course. Those adjustments will have to be made from the inside out.
LA may have the assets to make a run now that James and Davis are both back and healthy. Nonetheless, everyone on the roster must follow their direction and think without regard for themselves.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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