NBA fans are seemingly baffled by LeBron James‘ Lakers. The purple and gold team played against the Washington Wizards on November 18, 2022, at the Crypto.com Arena. While the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Wizards by a 2-point difference, it was the Lakers’ certain tactics on the court that made fans even question the game of basketball as a sport entirely.
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When you hear basketball, you imagine players running up and down the court tirelessly, defending or trying to make a successful shot. However, at a certain point in time, the Lakers vs Wizards game was anything but that. In fact, anybody who was watching Sunday night’s game was probably left puzzled.
NBA fans shared their thoughts online after a bizarre scenario unfolded near the end of the fourth quarter of the game.
NBA fans express frustration over LeBron James’ Lakers
In a short clip, the players from both teams appeared to slow down. In the fourth quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers were ahead of the Washington Wizards by 5 points. With just three minutes remaining on the clock, Dennis Schroder was seen leisurely walking after the ball as it was rolling on the court. While Schroder made no haste in grabbing the ball, the Wizards too seemed to be in no rush to get the ball.
good job guyshttps://t.co/RiLgckgYK0 pic.twitter.com/eKYalyE5YC
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 19, 2022
This could be seen as the Lakers’ tactic since they were in the lead. However, it nonetheless got on many fans’ nerves. About 22 seconds were wasted in that manner, which led fans to question Schroder’s choice and skills. Many felt there was no need to waste precious seconds.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
It’s really difficult to take this sport serious sometimes.
— Jon Peters (@JonPeters1976) December 19, 2022
How do you even do that
— datboii_alexis (@datboii_alexis) December 19, 2022
Lmao what was the point to let it go THAT far😭😭
— Shady SAFFA (@greene_guanni) December 19, 2022
Guy waiting to start the shot clock pic.twitter.com/cYHg2w7fNz
— Colin Schrader (@smackncappn) December 19, 2022
A little excessive don’t ya think
— Troy (@troyboy621) December 19, 2022
Is this most annoying thing in basketball?
— Peter (@thepetergrimm) December 19, 2022
In scenarios like this, it’s everybody’s fault in the defense’s organization lol why aren’t the players running or the coaches yelling?
— Win (@VicTheSire) December 19, 2022
Schroder is a generational time waster off the inbound
— No Aces (@busyknowingball) December 19, 2022
I hate that no one from WSH literally tried to get a fast one because I'm almost sure Schroder would have fumbled from that angle.
— Fated Blue (@anima9) December 19, 2022
thats 22 seconds..almost one full possesion.
— Mark Kristine (@mindofMARKJ) December 19, 2022
Embarrassing 🙈
— Tim Green (@Tim_Green78) December 19, 2022
The Lakers win without Anthony Davis
On Sunday night, the Lakers defeated the Wizards by 119-117 despite Anthony Davis having to sit out due to an injury. LeBron James led the team in scoring 33 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Teammate Lonnie Walker IV added 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Whereas, Lakers center Thomas Bryant scored 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists.
On taking Davis’ spot, Bryant told ABC, “You have to follow the lead and sometimes wait for your (name) to be called. It doesn’t change the fact that you have to be ready and stay ready and do what you can to make sure you’re in that mode in case something like this happens.”
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Wizards’ Bradley Beal scored 29 points with 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Both the Lakers and the Wizards face the Phoenix Suns next on December 19 and December 20, respectively.
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WATCH THIS STORY: On verge of missing the whole season, Lebron James’ bold stance would have changed the Lakers’ fate in 2020 title run
What did you think of the bizarre play by the Lakers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.