From a record-breaking loss for LeBron James to a disabling injury setback for one of the NBA’s most promising players, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the latest talking points from around the league!
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When LeBron James talks, people listen, and when he says very little, it’s natural to listen that little bit closer. In the case of Tuesday’s 138-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James had only two words to offer when asked what needed to change after the worst defeat of his career: “A lot.”
But what else could LeBron possibly mean by that? There’s no doubt that the Lakers would benefit immensely from the returns of Cam Reddish, Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Rui Hachimura on Tuesday. Their absence has heavily impacted the Lakers’ perimeter defense and shooting performance.
Even with additions like Taurean Prince and Vincent, the Lakers are still struggling with their outside shooting. Ranking 28th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (33.8) and dead last in 3-pointers made per game (9.8), it’s evident that this has been a long-standing problem for the team.
In light of Tuesday’s heavy loss, LeBron reflected, “I don’t like it.” However, his efforts have been notably impacted by the fact that the Lakers have had to rely heavily on him again, contrary to their initial plan of limiting his minutes.
On the other hand, Anthony Davis’ role at center has come into question following his struggles against Joel Embiid. The dynamics of a potential shift to power forward for Davis are a complex topic. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “They’re already dead last in 3-point makes, dead last in second-chance points and they start the game off poorly almost every game. That’s insurmountable…”
Regarding the Lakers’ recent loss to the 76ers, Davis emphasized the importance of moving on quickly. It’s evident that the Lakers need to regroup and reconsider their game plan to remain competitive this season, especially considering the level of competition.
As for the New Orleans Pelicans, they’ve tackled their own set of challenges, shifting focus after a sluggish start to the season. Following a team meeting to iron out differences, they’ve seen significant improvements and wins over quality teams.
With Zion Williamson openly expressing his reservations about taking a back seat on offense, it was crucial for the Pelicans to align and create a united front. After the team’s discussion, which highlighted the importance of securing a clear identity and the key roles of Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans experienced a resurgence.
The impending returns of Trey Murphy and C.J. McCollum should provide a much-needed boost, particularly considering their significant contributions to the team’s 3-point shooting in the past. Australian Dyson Daniels is also expected to shift back to a reduced role upon McCollum’s return, allowing the Pelicans to leverage their full potential.
Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.
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