Here’s a little question: What’s been one word to describe the Lakers’ performance lately? “Embarrassing”? Well, you guessed it right.  That’s being polite to the feelings of Anthony Davis and Co., too. The word has come up in the post-game press conferences quite frequently after the Heat made the game look like a match between pros and amateurs. AD didn’t show up, and in all honesty, nobody in Purple and Gold did last night, except LeBron James. And AD is ready to shoulder the blame for it.

When reporters gathered around Anthony Davis for the postgame locker room interview, he was asked how the Lakers could overcome their struggles and how he could contribute to helping them do so. “We gotta stay together,” the 31-year-old responded. “I’ll say the team, you know, goes as I go in.” He rightly admitted that the team’s performance has heavily depended on him this season. Sure, LeBron has contributed in bulk but AD’s impact has played a more crucial role in the team’s success or failure.

Reflecting on his performance, AD said, “Last two games have been terrible shooting basketball. I’m sure I’d be better and, individually to help the team.” In the previous two games, all his attempts from deep stubbornly refused to hit the target, and he’s been shooting below 30% from the field. Against the Timberwolves, it was 4-of-14, and 3-of-14 against the Heat.

“I mean, guys are doing their parts, and I’m not doing mine,” the 9-time All-Star claimed. “It’s just tough for our team. So I try to play better individually, both ends and, you know, I hold myself to a higher standard and I haven’t been doing what I needed to do, especially offensively, for our team.”

Davis’ numbers have certainly dipped in the last few games compared to where he started the season. His shooting struggles have been quite evident, costing the team significantly. Last night against Miami he recorded his lowest point of the season, just 8 which turned heads.

AD further emphasized the importance of staying united during this challenging period and confessed, “Tonight, was not our style of basketball it was embarrassing.” This came up after head coach JJ Redick‘s confession following the 134-93 loss against the Heat.

Like Anthony Davis, JJ Redick shares embarrassment over Lakers’ back-to-back defeats

After Wednesday night’s game, Redick took the hot seat in the postgame press conference, and nothing positive came out of it. With a sorrowful expression, the rookie coach told the media, “I’m embarrassed. We’re all embarrassed.” The 41-point deficit was enough to humiliate the team, which had the upper hand with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their side. Moreover, for two straight games, the team failed to score even 100 points.

Disappointed with the Lakers, Redick questioned the team’s professionalism and claimed that while he can’t physically play the game, the players should take responsibility for their lackluster performance. “I own this, but need some ownership on the court as well. There’s not a sense from me that we’re together right now,” Redick added. The ownership did come from AD, who pledged to improve his performance and also highlighted that the team needs to be together.

Besides the team’s overall performance, Austin Reaves’ absence has been a major setback. The 26-year-old guard has been sidelined for the last three games because of a left pelvis contusion, and there has been no confirmation regarding his return. For now, the franchise will as usual rely on LeBron and AD to step up and carry the team on their shoulders to get back on track.