LeBron James and Jaren Jackson Jr. (Credits: X, USA Today Sports)

The Los Angeles Lakers were up against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Crypto.com Arena on January 5, 2024. The 17-19 Lakers have aggravated the situation even more as the team has lost yet another home game while playing against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are on a three-game road trip and have conjured up a win in the first game alone.

On the other hand, it’s the fourth consecutive loss for Darvin Ham and his team. Since Ham is already dealing with job security concerns, another loss while the team is under .500 has added to the stress. Furthermore, tonight’s game was a sight to behold, as the two opponents, LeBron James and Jaren Jackson Jr., got involved in a hand-to-hand.

When 6:29 minutes were remaining in the third quarter, a collision happened between James and Jaren Jackson Jr. As LeBron tried to fetch the loose ball, it was Jaren Jackson Jr. who wrapped his arm around the former. The incident escalated, and James hit JJJ while the latter lay flat on the hardwood, keeping his hands on his chin.

Reactions (Credits: X)

Although no call was given by the referees, fans lashed out on Twitter, vouching against James. It’s a fact that Draymond Green has often faced strict scrutiny for such an act during games. However, there was no penalty for the Lakers. Taking this fact into consideration, one fan said, “Draymond would be suspended for this. Why not LeBron?”

While Draymond Green was slapped with an indefinite suspension this season for his ‘unsportsmanlike behavior’, no action was taken against James. Since there was no call from the referee, the Grizzlies’ head coach, Taylor Jenkins, stepped on the court and received a technical. The game was not for the faint-hearted, and the reaction by NBA fans on X justifies the same.

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost four games in a row despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ presence

The No. 11 seed in the Western Conference is struggling with the changing lineups lately. As per Shams Charania of ‘The Athletic’, there is brewing discontent in the locker room as Darvin Ham struggles to maintain his position as head coach. However, there seems to be another issue that needs attention.

While D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura are recovering from injuries, the rest of the stars are trying to put up big numbers on the scoreboard. However, despite the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves in the lineup, the Lakers are riding on a losing streak. After the tragic 113-127 loss to the Grizzlies, the Lakers have lost four games, with James and Davis in the lineup.

Here the question prevails: whether the team should shift to the old lineup consisting of Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and James. While the ‘seat warming has started’, it’s high time that the almost healthy roster of the Lakers breaks the losing streak.