Image Source: AP
[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers, epitomizing mediocrity, dropped to a 24-25 record after a significant 138-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, marking their second consecutive defeat by 16 points against teams below .500, following a similar loss to the Houston Rockets. LeBron James candidly acknowledged the team’s predicament in a post-game locker room interview, highlighting a disconnect between recent performances and their potential.
“We could, on any given night, beat any team in the NBA. And then on any given night we could get out a– kicked by any team in the NBA,” James shared with reporters.
Despite a promising 5-2 run that included victories over playoff contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, and a notable win against the Golden State Warriors led by James’ superior performance to Steph Curry’s 46 points, the Lakers couldn’t maintain momentum.
This slump includes being outplayed by Dillon Brooks and the Rockets, followed by the loss to the Hawks, underscoring their struggle to achieve three straight wins since early December. James contributed 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists against the Hawks, with Austin Reaves leading the game scoring, while Anthony Davis’ absence due to injury further exacerbated the team’s challenges.