Former Bulls Star Makes Shocking Claim About Lakers Needing to ‘Shut Down’ LeBron James Henceforth

These are extremely worrisome times for the Lakers. They are on the verge of getting out of the play-in spot. After being stuck at 9th for most of this year, they have now slipped to 10th. Unfortunately, the table position is not the only big worry for the Lakers. A recent apparent injury to LeBron James has been added to the things Lakers have to scratch their heads about.

LeBron James twisted his left ankle in the game against the Pelicans. Although he was able to continue, he confirmed after the game that it does not look good.

LeBron has had constant discomfort in his left knee most of this season. To add to that, an injury to the ankle of the same leg is actually a big worry. LeBron has averaged 30.1 points per game this season.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron’s top five 50 point games.

At 37, with a sore knee and now with an injured ankle? That is simply unbelievable. But is it all worth it? Because even after LeBron’s best efforts and 39 points, the Lakers just could not win.

Jay Williams thinks Lakers should ‘Shut Down’ LeBron James

During a segment of KJM on ESPN, former NFL winner Keyshawn Johnson, former Bulls star Jay Williams and host Max Kellerman discussed the Lakers’ situation. The fact that they are in such a big hole even with LeBron leading the scoring charts, makes you wonder how will the fare if LeBron is on the sidelines now due to the ankle injury?

Max Kellerman asked a question that put the former sportsmen on the spot. He asked if the Lakers should shut down LeBron James at this point.

Jay had a bold take on the matter, “Yes, one thousand percent. He’s missed multiple games because of his left knee, multiple games at 37 years old. Now he has a sprained left ankle.”

Jay continued, “This team is not going to win a championship. So [you want] LeBron James competing at a ultimate high level, with left sore knee that can hinder him with the left twisted ankle? Now you’re going to try to have him come back and play on those injuries and average 40 points in order for you to make the play-in tournament? Focus on what’s coming up next which is the health of LeBron James”

Read more: Fans demand unfair toughness from LeBron.

Keyshawn added, “I think there’s a real possibility that the Lakers could miss the play-in. And so ultimately what is LeBron James playing for if it’s not to get a scoring title?”

LeBron James currently tops the list for most points per game (30.1).

Keyshawn also mentioned that even if they did manage to qualify for the play-ins and somehow the playoffs, they are not going to last in the playoffs. He said that it was because of their lack of defensive shape and without LeBron lack of offensive output as well.

The Lakers are just 1 game ahead of the Spurs and are on the verge of slipping out of the play-in spots. If they wish to make anything out of the remaining season, the whole team has to pull their socks and play their best basketball with or without LeBron James.