The Los Angeles Lakers recently played against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They suffered a poor loss despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis on their roster. Additionally, James had a poor outing overall and didn’t look sharp against the Timberwolves. Many NBA experts believe James has not been a great ‘watch’ this season despite putting up great numbers.
Former NBA player Rashad McCants made an appearance on Gil’s Arena Podcast. There is a big problem in the Lakers’ room right now, according to McCants and the other panelists on Gil’s Arena. It is the superstar’s refusal to retire. McCants advised James to to back off as he does not impact the game as it did in the past.
Until LeBron actually step out of the way, I’m not going to see none of that. It’s like we’re not giving him enough flowers for him to just kind of walk away. It’s like we gotta bring more flowers because, to me, it’s hindering the game. The stats, the praise, we get it. I’m gonna give you flowers because you’ve done so much for the game.
Rashad McCants said on the Gil’s Arena Podcast
Despite being a well-known Kobe Bryant fan, McCants was correct in this James assessment. Even James stated that he doesn’t intend to play until everything breaks down, and they are beginning to do so. Even though he’s nearly hitting a triple-double on average, anyone who watches Lakers games can see that his effect has diminished.
Rashad needs LeBron James to ‘move tf around’! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/kjj46pqrH0
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 3, 2024
At least on paper, Rashad’s perspective is undoubtedly disputable. James’ stats—22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game seem exceptional on the outside. James’s 2018 dime total, which was perhaps his greatest, is tied with the assists column this season. However, he does not seem to have the impact that he used to have 4 years ago.
Rashad McCants ‘hatred’ for LeBron James goes a long way back
Rashad McCants has never been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James. In 2005, McCants became an official player of the NBA. But the guard bowed out of the league by 2009. He played the four-time champion seven times at that time, losing six of them as James outscored him by an average of 37.4 points per contest.
However, his hatred towards James began in his school days. McCants was a rising star in 2001, scoring 26 points per game on average for New Hampton School and winning New Hampshire Player of the Year. His accomplishments, on the other hand, were overshadowed by James from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
I’m like who the f**k is this n***a? It’s supposed to be me and all these n****s, and this n***a popped up and they put him above me. Ever since then, he’s been on my hit list.
Rashad McCants said on the Gil’s Arena Podcast,
James, who is on his ‘hit list’ is going through a period of stagnation. However, having played in the NBA for 22 years, the Lakers star is undoubtedly skilled at recovering from subpar play. The season is long and it remains to be seen if the Lakers superstar can turn things around.
