LeBron James addresses criticism of Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel: Players need to do a better job

December 7, 2021 Sports

LeBron James said he and his teammates have to play better when asked about the scrutiny facing Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

“I think criticism comes with the job, you know?” James said after practice on Monday. “Frank is a strong-minded guy. He has a great coaching staff. And we as his players have to do a better job of going out and producing on the floor. We’re a team and an organization that don’t mind some adversity, that don’t mind people saying things about us, obviously, because it comes with the territory.”

L.A. is 12-12, which would put it as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and in the play-in tournament if the season ended today.

For a roster chock full of future Hall of Famers, playing for an organization that has made no secret about its get championship aspirations for this season from the front office down to the locker room, .500 ball simply will not cut it — even though the team has navigated myriad early-season injuries.