After blowing a 10-point fourth quarter lead, the L.A. Lakers are in a difficult spot as the franchise is currently losing their first round series 3-1 and one game away from elimination. The loss happened despite the fact that the Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić were able to put up a performance that resembled the franchise’s early 2000s days with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
James, who willingly seemed to take a step back on offense to save energy for the defensive end, scored 27 points on 55 percent shooting from the floor. Dončić, who recovered from a poor Game 3 performance because of flu symptoms, went for 38 points on 46 percent shooting from the floor.
The Lakers traded for Dončić at this season’s trade deadline, giving up what many considered to be an underwhelming package of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, a 2029 first round, and more for Dončić who is a top 5 player in this league (ranked fourth in Fansided’s 99) when healthy. The squad then tried to pull off a trade for oft-injured Mark Williams, but was unable too after the big man failed his physical.
While the Lakers should have won one of these two games on the road against Minnesota, it’s clear that the franchise is missing some pieces that are needed to win with Doncic.
In all honesty, the Lakers are likely facing a first round exit, with the franchise needing three straight wins. Going forward, the squad probably needs to acquire a two-way big man that can support Dončić in the pick-and-roll on the offensive side of the ball to compete in what will likely be a tough western conference next season.
Additionally, the front office needs to address the fact that James has maybe one to two years left in the league before the 4-time NBA champ retires his arguably top-5 career. James and Doncic may have played like Shaq and Kobe at times in the playoffs, but it will likely not be enough this season with them staring down a 3-1 series hole.
