LeBron James Faces a Harsh Reality as Lakers Struggle Through Losing Skid
Right now, there’s a tough conversation forming around LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s one that feels unavoidable. The Lakers are riding a three-game losing streak, and even though LeBron is still putting up respectable numbers, the results haven’t followed. That contrast is where the tension really sits.
LeBron, now nearing 41 and deep into his 23rd NBA season, has shown flashes of brilliance. Big scoring nights against teams like the Clippers, Suns, and Rockets were delivered, but each of those performances came in losses. What stood out even more was how the team performed when he was on the floor. His plus-minus numbers steadily declined, hitting a low point in a blowout loss to Houston. It’s been clear that individual production hasn’t translated into winning basketball lately.
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That reality was bluntly addressed by former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell, who didn’t sugarcoat his opinion. According to Mitchell, this stage of LeBron’s career requires a mental shift that hasn’t fully happened yet. The idea was floated that LeBron is no longer a first option on a competitive team, or even a struggling one. The point wasn’t about disrespect, but about role clarity. In Mitchell’s view, that adjustment hasn’t sunk in, and it’s affecting how teams function around him.
Even Lakers head coach JJ Redick hinted at deeper issues. After a frustrating loss, it was suggested that the offense has looked disorganized since LeBron returned. Too many possessions were described as random, with roles not clearly defined and offensive flow breaking down. Responsibility was taken by the coaching staff, but the implication was obvious. When a player of LeBron’s stature is on the floor, everything revolves around him, and that can become a problem if the structure isn’t right.
The timing makes this even more interesting. The Lakers actually started the season strong while LeBron was sidelined, winning 10 of their first 14 games. Other players thrived with more freedom, ball movement improved, and roles seemed clearer. Since his return, those same players have seen their numbers dip, which naturally fuels debate about balance and fit.
None of this erases what LeBron has accomplished or what he still brings to the game. His leadership, experience, and basketball IQ remain elite. But the league doesn’t slow down for anyone, and age forces adjustments whether players like it or not.
As the Lakers sit at 19-10 but stumble through recent games, the spotlight isn’t just on wins and losses. It’s on whether LeBron James can embrace a new version of himself, one that still impacts winning, even if it looks very different from the past.
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