Former Warriors Star Bashes LeBron James’ Lakers for Using Him as Center and Not Anthony Davis: “They Look Forward to Whooping That A**”

LeBron James and the Lakers have not enjoyed a lot of success this season. The Lakers’ big three of LeBron, AD, and Russ haven’t seemed to have had the best chemistry so far. However, after having recorded their 24th win this season, they will look to carry that momentum forward now that Davis has also returned from his knee injury.

However, something peculiar took place in the Laker lineup at the time between AD’s departure and return from injury. For the first time in the 19 year career of ‘The King,’ the Lakers would decide to feature LeBron James at center.

This would take place against the Houston Rockets on the 28th of December 2021 – 11 days after Davis’ injury. And sure enough, the King balled out as usual, helping the Lakers to record a win in his first game as a center.

To discuss this matter and the overall situation of Lakers, including what their season’s outcome looks like, Matt Barnes, Stephen Jackson, alongside Kendrick Perkins, sat down for the latest episode of the ‘ALL THE SMOKE’ podcast.

WATCH THIS STORY: Father-Son Duos That LeBron James Has Faced In The NBA

Discussion on LeBron James and the Lakers

Prior to the game against the Nets, the discussion on the Lakers took place on the ‘ALL THE SMOKE’ podcast.

The discussion began with the topic of the age of the Lakers catching up with them. Thereafter, staying on the same topic, Kendrick Perkins would speak about Russell Westbrook’s declining athleticism, which caused his jump shots to fall short, along with some of Russ’ post-game comments.

Thereafter, the trio gave props to Malik Monk for the way he’s been playing while on a minimum salary. Then came the topic of LeBron playing as center. Perkins’ belief is that LeBron playing as center was a message to AD.

“Coach asked me to play the center, I’mma show you how to play the center. I’mma show you so that when you get back, I want you to, not force you to play center AD, I want you to embrace this s***!,” said Perkins.

“But I think LeBron or AD at the 4 or 5, however they play together, it’s going to be a thing to see,” added Matt Barnes.

Perkins also mentioned that the Lakers wouldn’t make it out of the West despite LeBron proving himself time and again.

“They’re not coming out of the West. I don’t even think they have a chance. And it’s hard to go against Bron cuz he done proved us wrong before getting to the finals, but I just can’t see it because teams are not scared of ’em,” explained Perkins.

“No, absolutely not. They look forward to whooping that a** if they can,” said Barnes in agreement.

Barnes would then explain how the Lakers’ squad is better built for the playoffs due to the breaks between games and the slow pace of the game itself. However, Stephen Jackson said that the only way the Lakers could make it out of the West was if they fired Frank Vogel.

In Conclusion

Clearly, it appears as though the rest of the league isn’t afraid of the Lakers anymore. With an aged squad, they have an 0.500 record with 24 wins and 24 losses. Nearing the All-Star Break and the trade deadline, the road ahead looks tough with their next game against the 76ers.

But age shouldn’t be a factor of worry. After all, look at what the San Antonio Spurs achieved in the 2014 NBA finals. So maybe, rather than trading for players, they need some inspiration. Only time will tell what the fate of the Lakers will be this season.

READ MORE: Draymond Green Reminds The League To Not Sleep on Russell Westbrook and the Lakers: “You Haven’t Really Had The Opportunity To See That Team Healthy”