3:44 AM
After the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, it was obvious that the team's potential was not as great as it had been.
James said they didn't know. We don't know what this team can be.
The 19-year veteran rattled off the setbacks the Lakers have suffered after seeing his game-high 34 points go to waste.
He missed 12 games. The injuries that have kept Trevor Ariza out of the lineup for the first 30 games have also kept Kendrick Nunn out of the lineup. It didn't paint a pretty picture for one of the presumptive favorites coming into the season because of the injuries and the absence of Frank Vogel, who is missing because of health and safety protocols.
How can we fully assess what we have when we haven't been whole? James can't remember the last time we played the same lineup and rotation off the bench. It has been a long time. It's difficult to assess that.
L.A. has 17 different starting lineups this season, which is the most in the league. The Lakers haven't gone more than two games in a row this year.
The Lakers built an early 10-point lead against the Suns, who moved past the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA with the win, but lost control in the second half when Phoenix scored 31 points in the third.
It's hard to see where we're at as a team since they are at full strength.
James came down on the right foot of the Suns' Crowder in the third quarter, but he appeared to avoid a serious injury. He was in the game but looked hobbled the rest of the way.
James said he would be ready for the next game.
David Fizdale, who is filling in as head coach, said that the Suns have had good fortune and that the Lakers have lacked.
"They've been very lucky because they've had a lot of continuity," Fizdale said. That's lucky to be healthy. I feel like under our circumstances, the guys' attitude and how they've been approaching it has been fantastic, and that continuity is a big deal. It's easy to believe that we're going to be okay.
Fizdale was an assistant with the Miami Heat when they won four straight NBA titles.
Fizdale said that he doesn't like speaking for him, but he is not going to get wrapped up in that negative stuff. Bron is looking at this as a new challenge and he is focused on it. He doesn't get rattled by anything after all these years. He is not a complainer, he is not a blamer. He is going to figure it out.
The Lakers would need to become comfortable being uncomfortable in order to grow through their challenges, as James has already dubbed this season the biggest challenge of his career.
His new running mate Russell Westbrook, who had 22 points and five assists, seemed confident that L.A. will be better off for what it has already gone through.
"I'm very hopeful," he said. We've been through a lot as a team and still are. All of the ups and downs have been the best part for me. That is an NBA season. We stay together is the most important part. Never divide. Don't panic. The people on the outside of the team are saying something. Make sure that we stay close-knit and find ways to stick together.
The Lakers are trying times. James said it was great to get another body back, even though Talen went 1-for-13 after missing three games.
There are still 50 games left in the season. If the Lakers don't let go of the rope, there will be plenty of time to find a rhythm.
Fizdale said that this has been Bron's deal. Guys look to Bron to be a leader, but he and Frank have been nothing short of spectacular from the standpoint of preaching patience but also holding people accountable. It's easy to say be patient. And act like things are going well. They don't act like that. They are calling people out. We're addressing the things we need to clean up, and those two are leading that.
