The Los Angeles Lakers struggled in their recent game against the NBA champions.
JJ Redick’s team had a lead of eight points but fell short as the Oklahoma City Thunder finished strong on both ends.
LeBron James explained that this is what separates a championship team from the Lakers.
When discussing the loss, James acknowledged that the Lakers are not true contenders.
LeBron James shares a candid assessment
“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there. We’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can. That’s why they won a championship,” James said after the game, as reported.
This is not the first time James or those close to him have shared similar thoughts about the team.
His agent, Rich Paul, has publicly stated that the Lakers are not at a championship level and suggested trading Austin Reaves.
At that time, James denied involvement in Paul’s comments, but the situation raises further questions about his commitment to the team.
James’s remarks signal a lack of full engagement with the team, and while calling out teammates is part of leadership, it can hinder team morale when a key player publicly expresses doubt.