Is LeBron James to blame for the Lakers' slump?

It is undeniable that the absence, through injury, suspension or for whatever reason of LeBron James negatively affects the Los Angeles Lakers, but the issue of the intentional elbowing of Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart and the one-game punishment to the "King" overshadows an issue that is fundamental, their team is playing very bad basketball.

They have lost with or without LeBron

The Lakers have lost four of the last five, it is true that the only game they won was with James on the court, but it is also true that despite being active, when he was ejected for a flagrant type 2 foul (the most serious there is) the team was losing by double digits against the Pistons, one of the worst teams in the league.

With LeBron James back they clearly lost at home to the Boston Celtics last Friday, meaning the Western Conference franchise that has won the most NBA championships in history is losing with or without their franchise player.

Currently, the Lakers have a record of nine wins and 10 losses, are ninth in the Western Conference standings and would be out of direct qualification for the playoffs.

Home sweet home

The good news is that they have 63 games left in the season, that is, they have not even reached the first quarter of the campaign and are only one game away from that direct playoff zone.

James' return is due next Wednesday, when the Lakers finish their four-game road trip through the northeastern United States when they face the Indiana Pacers, after which they will have four of the next five games at home, their only visit being to Sacramento to face the Kings, who are without a head coach at the time of this writing.

This scenario should generate that before leaving the State of California again, when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on December 9, this team, at least, should return to a winning record with LeBron James on the court, otherwise, the alarms will be more intense.

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