Beijing time on April 1, in an NBA regular season game that ended today, the Lakers lost to the Jazz 109-122 on the road, facing the jazz in the recent downturn, the Lakers still failed to seize the opportunity to win a victory, and because of the loss of this game, the Lakers' western ranking was once again overtaken by the Spurs and fell out of the playoffs. With only six games left in the regular season, the Lakers' playoff hopes seem to be starting to fade.
Although Lakers head coach Vogel was still confident after the game, saying that as long as James and Thick Brow can return healthy, the Lakers can still win the playoffs and eventually enter the playoffs. But it must be admitted that according to the State of the Lakers this season, even if they finally win the playoffs and enter the playoffs, it is almost impossible to win the championship. This means that the final peak of Lakers star LeBron James's career may be wasted another year, which is undoubtedly related to the incompetence of the Lakers' management.
In fact, this season, the Lakers have delayed not only James, but also many veterans who joined at the beginning of the season with the opportunity to win the championship, but the final result is obviously a bit disappointing. Many of them are distressed about Anthony this season, because he is working hard in the Lakers, and he also saw the face of his good brother James to join the base salary, but in the end, the Lakers may not even be able to give him a playoff trip.
In addition to Anthony, in fact, the Lakers have another veteran who is more distressing, that is, veteran Dwight Howard. In this game, Howard shot 9 of 13 from the field, including 1 of 1 three-pointer for 21 points, 12 rebounds and 1 steal. Once again, it proves that if given enough time, he can contribute to the Lakers. And considering the Lakers' serious lack of insiders this season, the Lakers should have given Howard more opportunities, but the result is that Lakers head coach Vogel did not reuse Howard throughout the season.
Season so far, Howard can only get 15.6 minutes of playing time per game, get 5.8 points and 5.8 rebounds, the Lakers have played 76 games so far, but Howard has only played 55 games, and this season for a long time, he has been abandoned, only a few minutes, playing the first half, the second half was directly abandoned and other inexplicable use of the game, no one knows why Vogel treated Howard like this, but obviously the Lakers' approach is wasting Howard's last good state.
There is no doubt that Howard is more distressing than Anthony. Because at least Anthony still has Vogel's trust, and the playing time is still guaranteed, but Howard is obviously in good shape, but Vogel seems to think of him only when he is completely short of manpower. And Howard has proven time and time again that he can bring positive help to the Lakers. If the Lakers were willing to reuse Howard this season, they might not fall into such an embarrassing situation as they are now.
Speaking after today's game, when talking about the team still fighting for the play-offs, Howard said: "It's a bit shocking, but anything can happen in this sport. The way we started this season wasn't a good feeling, and the position we're in now doesn't feel good. We're in a tough situation, but we're not going to stop fighting, we're not going to stop. ”
Howard's surprise is normal, just as many fans are surprised, obviously the Lakers hold an inside beast like Howard, but they don't know how to use it correctly, and it has to be said that Vogel and the Lakers really broke a good hand.