“This Is Not Leadership”: NBA World Furious as LeBron James Badmouths His Own Team

Oct 19, 2022 | 11:51 AM EDT

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The Los Angeles Lakers had a terrible 2021-22 NBA season. Before the start of the next season, fans were optimistic about the team’s performance. However, LeBron James and co. could not get past the Warriors on opening night. This has left fans worried about the team’s season.

Moreover, after the game, LeBron was asked about his insights into the game. The four-time NBA champion apparently bad-mouthed his own team and also criticized the team’s shooting. This wasn’t taken lightly by NBA fans on Twitter who are calling out James for his leadership.

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NBA fans call out LeBron James and the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a mess currently. With LeBron James turning 38 very soon, the team cannot rely on him entirely. Moreover, the Russell Westbrook issue is also holding back the team.

Westbrook had an average 2021-22 season that raised doubts regarding his future with the franchise. Anthony Davis’ injury problems are also another major problem for the team. As they battle such issues, the Lakers had a disappointing outing against the Warriors which urged LeBron to speak out.

He said, “To be completely honest, we’re not a team constructed of great shooting… It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team.”

LeBron James on Lakers’ poor shooting in loss to Warriors: “We’re getting great looks, but it could also be teams giving us great looks. To be completely honest, we’re not a team constructed of great shooting… It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team.” pic.twitter.com/VfqWnKcQ3D
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 19, 2022

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NBA fans and Lakers fans, in particular, did not take James’ words well. They roasted the former NBA champion while also questioning his leadership on Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions.

This is not leadership… don’t ever blame the teammates around you 🤦🏻‍♂️ especially when YOU are the main reason the team is constructed the way it is
— Jonathan Pesso (@jonathanpesso) October 19, 2022

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Its wild because he can't shoot either. For a star player he complains an awful lot about why his team loses. His competitive spirit sucks.
— Feed Your Wolves (@K3VRuN) October 19, 2022

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1 game in and he's already crying for more help. No other star in the league has a 2nd and 3rd option as good as he does. Btw The Warriors also shot poorly.
— Ray (@rray_xo) October 19, 2022

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In Miami he had 5: Ray Allen, Chalmers, James Jones, Mike Miller, even Bosh

Cavs 5 as well: Kyrie, JR, Love, Korver, Frye

Lakers: Nunn only 🤣🤣🤣
— Lebron Hoops (@LBJ23326) October 19, 2022

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He always complains. But he sees himself the king and superstar..then why not just take over the game for your team like Jordan did his last game versus the Jazz..
— Air Jordan (@Slayerzilla) October 19, 2022

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Y’all literally let 2 men that shot 39% from 3 and over 37% from 3 walk during the off-season …
— Boston Knick (@BostonKnick) October 19, 2022

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As the above reactions suggest, the fans on Twitter certainly did not like LeBron James ‘complaining’. Moreover, fans have been requesting a trade for quite some time with Buddy Hield among the biggest names linked to the Lakers.

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As the Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors for the opening night fixture, a lot was expected from the team. Despite the Warriors also struggling with internal conflicts, they still managed to win the game 123-109.

James had 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists for the night. On the other hand, Russell Westbrook scored 19 points, 3 assists and 11 rebounds. (Source: ESPN)

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What are your predictions for the Los Angeles Lakers this season? Let us know in the comments down below.