Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron’s return is spoiled as Lakers struggle again

LeBron James’ return is spoiled by deep-running issues that have plagued the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

For those hoping that LeBron James’ return from injury would all but change the outlook on the Los Angeles Lakers‘ rough start to the season, I think it’s a good time to give that idea a second thought.

LeBron returned to the Lakers‘ lineup Friday night against the Boston Celtics, and the feel-good lasted roughly one quarter before the team’s fatal flaws once again flared up. In the end, LeBron’s return was spoiled by a 22-point loss at the hands of the Jaylen Brown-less Celtics.

And while patience has been preached, I’m not sure what more is there to be patient about when it comes to the Lakers.

Russell Westbrook has been a bad fit on the team, it seems as if Anthony Davis has forgotten how to shoot 3’s, and the supporting cast hasn’t had the impact that many thought it would. It’s almost as if every offseason decision that the Lakers made has been proven to be the wrong one.

Through the first 17 games of the season, the Lakers are 8-9 and currently sitting outside the top 8 in the conference. Even in games in which LeBron plays, the team is only 4-3.

The Lakers have the 24th best offense, the 18th best defense, and a -3.8 net rating (25th in the league). And watching them, you can make an argument that their rankings are a bit better than the eye test would suggest.

What’s even more concerning is the fact that the Lakers have had a relatively easy schedule to open the season. Through the first 17 games, the Lakers have played Oklahoma City twice, Houston twice, San Antonio twice, Cleveland, and Minnesota. Despite that, the Lakers have still not been able to find their footing this season.

The Lakers are struggling mightily. And if Friday night’s game against the Celtics was any indication, LeBron’s simple return to the lineup is not something that’s going to solve all the issues for this team. It may officially be time to worry.