Former NBA coach criticizes Lakers' LeBron James
Former NBA coach criticizes Lakers' LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling following a humiliating 119-96 Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets, and the fallout has brought scathing criticism from a prominent voice in the basketball community. Sam Mitchell, the former NBA Coach of the Year and longtime bench boss, delivered a brutal reality check to LeBron James, suggesting the 40-year-old icon has yet to accept his diminishing role in the league’s hierarchy.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mitchell did not mince words regarding James' current impact. While James continues to produce statistically, Mitchell argued that the 23-year veteran is no longer capable of being the primary engine for a championship-level offense.
"This is what LeBron doesn't understand, it hasn't sunk in," Mitchell said. "Whatever team you go to, you're the third option. You're not going to a team when you're the first option anymore. If you went to the Washington Wizards, you would still not be the No. 1 option."
The critique comes amidst a three-game losing streak for Los Angeles, where the on-court chemistry between James and fellow superstar Luka Doncic has looked disjointed. Mitchell pinpointed the duo's inability to play off the ball as the root cause of the Lakers' stagnant offense. According to Mitchell, both James and Doncic—along with guard Austin Reaves—stifle the team's flow because they refuse to cut, screen, or move effectively when the ball isn't in their hands.
The numbers support the concern. James posted his worst plus-minus as a Laker during the Houston blowout, and his scoring average has dipped to 20.2 points per game, a career low. With head coach JJ Redick openly questioning the team's effort and defensive identity, Mitchell’s comments highlight a growing belief that the Lakers’ roster construction is fundamentally flawed.
As General Manager Rob Pelinka looks toward the February trade deadline, the noise surrounding James’ decline is louder than ever. If James cannot transition into the complementary role Mitchell describes, the Lakers’ experiment with their star-studded core may be destined for an early exit.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling following a humiliating 119-96 Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets, and the fallout has brought scathing criticism from a prominent voice in the basketball community. Sam Mitchell, the former NBA Coach of the Year and longtime bench boss, delivered a brutal reality check to LeBron James, suggesting the 40-year-old icon has yet to accept his diminishing role in the league’s hierarchy.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Mitchell did not mince words regarding James' current impact. While James continues to produce statistically, Mitchell argued that the 23-year veteran is no longer capable of being the primary engine for a championship-level offense.
"This is what LeBron doesn't understand, it hasn't sunk in," Mitchell said. "Whatever team you go to, you're the third option. You're not going to a team when you're the first option anymore. If you went to the Washington Wizards, you would still not be the No. 1 option."
The critique comes amidst a three-game losing streak for Los Angeles, where the on-court chemistry between James and fellow superstar Luka Doncic has looked disjointed. Mitchell pinpointed the duo's inability to play off the ball as the root cause of the Lakers' stagnant offense. According to Mitchell, both James and Doncic—along with guard Austin Reaves—stifle the team's flow because they refuse to cut, screen, or move effectively when the ball isn't in their hands.
The numbers support the concern. James posted his worst plus-minus as a Laker during the Houston blowout, and his scoring average has dipped to 20.2 points per game, a career low. With head coach JJ Redick openly questioning the team's effort and defensive identity, Mitchell’s comments highlight a growing belief that the Lakers’ roster construction is fundamentally flawed.
As General Manager Rob Pelinka looks toward the February trade deadline, the noise surrounding James’ decline is louder than ever. If James cannot transition into the complementary role Mitchell describes, the Lakers’ experiment with their star-studded core may be destined for an early exit.
