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Shaquille O’Neal Goes Livid as LeBron James’ Absence Blamed for Lakers’ Struggles: “It Ain’t Got Nothing to Do With LeBron. Anthony Davis is Shooting 19% From Three.”
Owing to their surprising struggles this year, the Lakers have come under the scanner. Before the 2021-22 season commenced, the franchise brought in some experienced recruits to strengthen their setup. However, they were brought back down to planet earth following a horrific pre-season. As the season has gone one, LeBron James’ injury woes have marred LA’s chances of going up the ranks. But according to Shaquille O’Neal, he cannot be blamed for the side’s misfortunes. Instead, fellow Laker Anthony Davis has been thrown under the bus.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 09: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal attends the grand opening of Shaquille’s At L.A. Live at LA Live on March 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Now in his 19th outing in the NBA, LeBron James is aged 36. He is finally showing signs of mortality, as injuries have caught up to the veteran. So far, he has been absent in nearly 50% of Frank Vogel’s side’s matches. With the added responsibility, 28-year-old Davis has been forced to play a more multi-dimensional role. As the radius of his shooting range has shot up, 15-time All-star Shaq opines that this has hampered the 2020 champions. Here’s how.
Shaquille O’Neal on Lakers’ struggles: ‘Nothing to do with LeBron James’
Due to multiple injuries, James has been forced to look on from the bench quite often this year. Although unfortunate, this is in no way his fault. Rest assured, he has been delivering time and again, whenever he has stepped foot on the court. However, the 17-time All-star has received a lot of flak for LA’s failures. Strangely enough, nobody knows the reason for this, considering he is controlling the controllable. But according to O’Neal, it is the Lakers’ #3 who is more responsible for the deep hole they find themselves in.
In a recent interview on NBA TNT, Shaq and the fellow analysts evaluated the reason behind the yellow brigade’s struggles. While Kenny Smith didn’t necessarily blame the King, he detailed that the forward’s absence dents the rest of the roster. But Shaquille was having none of it. “We’re not talking about LeBron. We’re talking about this man shooting 19% from the three. This ain’t got nothing to do with LeBron.”
Nov 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless of what has unfolded this far, it will take a combined effort from the entire squad, to overturn the season. Leading the pack, will be both LeBron and Davis. Sitting at an even win-loss ration, let’s see if the Lakers can overcome the tough fixtures that await them.
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The post Shaquille O’Neal Goes Livid as LeBron James’ Absence Blamed for Lakers’ Struggles: “It Ain’t Got Nothing to Do With LeBron. Anthony Davis is Shooting 19% From Three.” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
