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LeBron James and the LA Lakers suffered a blowout 127-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena and continue to struggle after winning the NBA In-Season Tournament a month ago. James had just 10 points on 3/11 shooting, along with five rebounds and nine assists on 24 minutes on the floor.
In the game, the all-time scoring leader, who is under contract with Nike, wore the LeBron 21 PE, which he debuted a few months ago. James is considered the top star that Nike has a shoe deal with, and the company has released quite a few signature shoes for him over the years.
Still, this pair of sneakers didn't bring luck to the four-time NBA champion and the Lakers, who lost to the Suns after five wins in a row.
LeBron James reacts to blowout loss to Suns as fans want roster shake-up
"King James" didn't have much to discuss after the LA Lakers' blowout defeat on Thursday. James said that Phoenix executed its defensive game plan quite well.
“I thought they were very aware of what we wanted to do, plus having their Big 3 helped as well," LeBron James said afterward.
The 17-time NBA champions hold the final play-in spot in the West with 19 wins and 20 losses, but they are tied with the Utah Jazz, who have won three in a row and host the Lakers on Saturday.
At the same time, the LA franchise has won only four of its last 10 games, and trade rumors have already emerged, with fans booing the players after Thursday's loss.
Some fans even went to social media and called for a roster shake-up if the Lakers, who have been dealing with injury woes and chemistry issues all season long, want to turn things around.
"Trade everyone but Bron & AD. I’m at that point …," a fan posted. "Got nothing but love for Reaves, but he can go too if we getting back a star player … Also fire Darvin Ham!"
The franchise has been linked to megastar Zach LaVine, who is expected to get traded by the Chicago Bulls, but it is unlikely they will strike a deal without Austin Reaves in the package. At the moment, the Lakers have no desire to move on from Reaves, who has been playing great on both ends.
LeBron James made it clear that the Lakers have to play better if they are to fight for the title but admitted that the team "sucks" right now. The 17-time NBA champions haven't taken advantage of their current homestand, and Saturday's game in Salt Lake City is a must-win, as a defeat will leave them outside the play-in spots.
