Trouble in Lakers’ Paradise? Injured LeBron James’ Appearance With Boss Jeanie Buss Raises Coaching Concerns

In tonight’s showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the LA Lakers, LeBron James was listed as out by his team because of a sore ankle he sustained in their last match-up with the Sacramento Kings. However, King James wasn’t sitting idly by during the game. Rather, he was seen chilling out with the Lakers head honcho, Jeanie Buss, Rich Paul, and Linda Rambis. This comes amid coaching concerns, and watching this interaction, one might assume that Coach Darvin Ham may not be happy as a clam!

The Los Angeles Lakers have been a roller-coaster this season, showcasing flashes of brilliance followed by puzzling losses. Their recent home defeat to the Sacramento Kings (130-120) displays this inconsistency. Despite a thrilling comeback against the Clippers in their last match-up in the then-shared Crypto.com Arena and a dominating win over the Oklahoma City Thunders, the Kings’ loss adds fuel to the fire of fan frustration who have been blatantly blaming Coach Darvin for it.

LeBron James Fuels Coaching Fire

Head coach Darvin Ham, affectionately (or perhaps not so affectionately) nicknamed “Pockets”, has become the target of much of the blame. Chants of “Fire him!” echoed through Crypto.com Arena during the Kings game, even reaching Lakers owner Jeanie Buss as she departed her seat after the Sacramento Kings game.

And now, today King James was seen chatting up Jeanie Buss fortifying speculations surrounding Darvin Ham adding to the intrigue. James exited the Kings game early, despite playing 36 minutes, with what seemed to be pain in his ankle. While no long-term injury is expected, ESPN reports James’ discomfort originates from “wear and tear.” In the Bucks game, James decided to sit it out and have a conversation with Jeanie Buss.

A recent X post by Lakers Nation highlighted Coach Ham’s statement: “Frustration makes cowards of us all… You try to get something back, you start going out on your own, you get preoccupied with something you can’t control like officiating… A lot of times it comes down to just playing harder.” This statement wasn’t well-received by Lakers fans, who criticized the lack of focus on coaching adjustments and accountability with reactions ranging from, “Everything is always about the players. Nothing about adjustments, gameplan, nothing..” to “Take accountability for once“.

According to Lakers Daily, whispers of discord extend beyond the court. Reportedly, King James frequently overrides coach Ham’s plays, calling his own and instructing teammates to disregard Ham’s instructions, “He sits in the huddle and gets his rest/water, rolls his eyes as Ham speaks, and waits for the huddle to break.” Sources claim James disengages during huddles, waiting to call his own plays, “If Ham ever does draw up a play, as soon as the huddle breaks, James will tell everyone else on the court with him ‘f— all that’ and calls a play of his own.”

Despite these rumored issues, reports suggest Jeanie Buss remained supportive of Ham, but perhaps, today’s conversation with the “L” Train, may cast doubt on that. What do you think of today’s events? Comment your thoughts below!

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