USA Today via Reuters
Nov 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) and center Dwight Howard (39) in the second half at Staples Center. The Bulls defeated the Lakers 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) and center Dwight Howard (39) in the second half at Staples Center. The Bulls defeated the Lakers 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are officially done. After the loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, the Lakers are out of the play-in contention. This turbulent season is finally over and it’s safe to say the Russell Westbrook experiment did not work. And with the Lakers going for Westbrook instead of another superstar at the start of the season, they will feel like they made the wrong decision.
The Lakers decided not to sign DeMar DeRozan at the start of the season and went with Russell Westbrook. And with DeRozan playing like an MVP candidate and leading the Bulls to the playoffs, the Lakers will feel like they missed a trick. DeRozan actually wanted to come to the Lakers, but they felt like they would be better off with Westbrook. And now they will kick themselves.
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NBA Fans go berserk as DeMar DeRozan throws shade on eliminated Los Angeles Lakers
After the Suns eliminated the Lakers, the fans went nuts. They trolled the 17-time champions for not making the play-in tournament. And with DeRozan rubbing salt at their wounds, they went crazy. Here are the best reactions:
DeRozan dodged a bullet
— Guaps (@Guaps92) April 5, 2022
Lebron sold on picking him up
— CPT Happy Giannis Fan (@CPTrey3) April 5, 2022
Lakers should take serious consideration into hiring Charles Barkley as general manager in the future.
— Lob Ties (@LobTies) April 5, 2022
Pelinka giving reasons for Derozan to come to the Lakers:pic.twitter.com/qyffEQnw09
— Brandon Peterson (@bp3allday) April 5, 2022
Rob told him no to a 3 year deal. But hey I guess lebron supposed to negotiate contracts as well
— Lebron JAMES burner (@LeGoatburner1) April 5, 2022
The people who broke up a championship team are still in the building. Magic – the guy who traded Zubac for *nothing* – is speaking for the people in the building. Y'all 🤡🤡
— Blocked By Acho 💙💛 (@blockedbyacho) April 5, 2022
Lakers gonna be officially out of the playoffs soon so it’s time for the media to make shit up so they have content for their morning talk shows. Expect a couple these coming out over the next 3 months 🥱
— Avon Barksdale🥷 (@BlameYaMoms) April 5, 2022
We’ll it’s hard rob can pick the team Lebron wants certain player and vogals can’t keep the players he wants to keep
— JusHoopTalk (@JusHoopTalks) April 5, 2022
LA could’ve had Kyle Lowry and Demar to play alongside Lebron and AD…. They gotta fire everyone this off season, this is unforgivable… wasted a season of Lebrons greatness…. We gotta treasure these last few seasons with him mannnn 🤬
— cruise (@clear_plums) April 5, 2022
Brons leadership in la has been horrible . Now they have no assets left and Ad looks 40
— Stop the lies (@Stopthe38456651) April 5, 2022
Lakers daily a source? pic.twitter.com/OG3fN5FpUP
— Igor Milanović (@igzilla83) April 5, 2022
How did the Lakers’ season unravel?
The Lakers started as the favorites to win it all. And they had a loaded squad with future Hall of Famers. Even though they had the oldest squad in the league, they were confident that they will get the job done. And then the season started.
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From the start itself, there were major problems with their build. They did not have enough shooting and with Westbrook on the court; they had issues with spacing itself. And then they were struck by the injury bug. Anthony Davis was out for half the season and LeBron missed quite a few games.
WATCH THIS STORY: Who is Charles Barkley’s wife?
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Even though LeBron played like an MVP all season long, that wasn’t enough to overcome their problems. With this season done and dusted, the Lakers will have to decide what to do with this roster.
What should the Lakers front office do next season? Should they let go of all the major names and build from scratch? Let us know in the comments below.
