Former NBA coach criticizes Lakers’ LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A former NBA head coach did not hold back on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
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Longtime NBA coach Sam Mitchell said on his SiriusXM radio show that James is no longer a top scoring option.
“This is what LeBron doesn’t understand, it hasn’t sunk in. Whatever team you go to, you’re the 3rd option,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers. He later coached in the league for 17 years, including a stint as the Toronto Raptors head coach from 2004-08.
He said James would not be the Washington Wizards‘ best player.
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“You’re not going to a team when you’re the 1st option anymore. If you went to the Washington Wizards, you would still not be the No. 1 option,” he said.
More: Lakers coach JJ Redick shreds team after Rockets loss
James posted his worst plus-minus as a Laker a 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. The Lakers were outscored by 33 points with him on the court.
He missed the start of the season with a sciatica injury. He is averaging 20.2 points in 13 games, which would be the lowest scoring average of his career if it holds.
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Mitchell later criticized Lakers guard Luka Doncic, stating that Doncic “can’t play without the basketball.”
LA has lost three straight games by an average of 20.6 points. Head coach JJ Redick has not been happy with his team’s performance and effort lately.
Trade talks surrounding the Lakers are growing louder, as General Manager Rob Pelinka searches for upgrades ahead of February’s trade deadline. But other teams have not been receptive to the Lakers’ trade offers so far.
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