Who is to Blame for the Lakers Terrible Season?

The Lakers have one of the most stacked rosters in NBA history, headlined by four future first-ballot Hall of Famers (LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis). In addition, they have a core of accomplished role players and former all-stars (Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Avery Bradley, D J Augustine, and Malik Monk). They have five players who average double figures and LeBron is in the top three in scoring on the season. On paper, this is at the very worst a 50 win team, yet somehow, they currently sit at an abysmal 31-48. Sadly with three games remaining, they have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Who is to blame for this terrible season?

Is it LeBron? The King has dealt with some injuries this year. He has only played in 56 games and the Lakers are 25-31 in those games! I’m not a big LeBron fan, but I have to say from looking at his stats, he has played consistently well in both wins and losses. King James does however average 3.5 turnovers per game, which ranks near the top of the league (Not Good)!

Is it Anthony Davis? The brow has only appeared in 40 games and the Lakers are 17-23 with him on the floor. His averages for points, rebounds, and shooting % from the field and from deep are both better in the wins.

Is it Russ? Of the Lakers’ superstars, he has played in the most games, starting 78 this year. The Lakers are 31-47 with Russ in the lineup. He is shooting about 44% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc in both wins and losses. He surprisingly turns the ball over more in wins than he does in losses (4.3 v. 3.4). He has committed a league-leading 286 turnovers this season! Wow!

The Lakers are 11-10 when the three stars are on the floor together. Clearly, they are better together, but far from great.

Is Coach Frank Vogel to blame? He has coached every game this year. He is regarded as a solid coach, yet L.A. is 26th in points allowed, they turn the ball over more than all but two teams in the league, and they rank in the top 10 for fouls committed. That says to me that they don’t play defense, they are reckless with the ball, and they lack discipline. I know coaches don’t play, but they do develop strategy, motive, & inspire. Seems as if Vogel has not done any of these things this season!

Vogel is not solely to blame for the lackluster outing this year, neither are the Lakers stars. I say they are all at fault. Collectively the Lakers have failed to stay healthy, make adjustments, or consistently play good team basketball.

What do you think? Who is to blame for this disappointing display this season? Sound off in the comments section below and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share!