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Stephen A. thinks the Lakers will fire Frank Vogel.
If the Lakers' chemistry and commitment issues continue, Frank Vogel's future in L.A. is in jeopardy. 1:07
7:27 PM
When asked about the scrutiny facing the Los Angeles Lakers, James said he and his teammates have to play better.
I think criticism comes with the job. James spoke after practice on Monday. Frank is strong-minded. He has a good coaching staff. The players have to do a better job of producing on the floor. We're a team and an organization that don't mind some adversity, that don't mind people saying things about us, obviously, because it comes with the territory.
If the season ended today, L.A. would be the 8th seed in the Western Conference and play-in tournament.
Even though the team has been ravaged by injuries, playing.500 ball will not cut it for a roster full of future Hall of Famers.
James said the stature that players like himself, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo have achieved in the game has made them impervious to the backlash that inevitably arises when expectations are not met.
"We have a lot of guys on this team that have been bulletin-board material for a long time, so it doesn't bother us," James said. Everything that we do stays in house when it comes to our preparation, how we prepare for our next opponent and how we prepare to get better. Frank doesn't care about what people are saying.
Fourteen months ago, the Lakers won the championship under the direction of Vogel.
He has a winning percentage of at least 100 percent since coming to L.A., which is sixth best in Lakers history. His playoff winning percentage puts him third behind Pat Riley and Paul Westhead, and ahead of Phil Jackson.
"There's going to be criticism with this job," said Vogel, who is in his third opportunity as head coach, following six seasons with the Indiana Pacers and two with the Orlando Magic. It's something we're used to. I've been a coach for 10 years.
The Lakers' stage makes noise.
Is it more national? "Yes, it's more national," he said. Is there a bigger fan base in L.A.? There is. It's something I'm familiar with, and it's been there for every head coach. It comes with the job.
James has had eight different head coaches in his 19-year career, with the latest being Frank Vogel, who is the eighth.
