The Los Angeles Lakers didn't get off to the ideal start after LeBron James finally returned to the lineup on Friday, losing a nailbiter to the lowly Sacramento Kings.
It was by no means a good performance from the Lakers, with the team blowing a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. James had 16 points, while Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond dropped 22 and 17, respectively.
Head coach Frank Vogel voiced his displeasure post-game, especially towards the comradery between the big three, per Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports:
Frank Vogel said he was very disappointed in the loss and said the rhythm and timing of LeBron-AD-Drummond was off, but he's encouraged by the possibilities of what they can do.
"It was bumpy going into the playoffs last year, too," he said.
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) May 1, 2021
In fairness, it's hard to take a lot away from the rhythm between LeBron, AD, and Drummond. After all, this is the first time the King has played alongside Drummond, and to be frank, things aren't going to fall in place right away.
It was a promising sign that all three of them put up respectable numbers though. Vogel also pointed out that the Lakers didn't have it all figured out heading into the playoffs last season. Nevertheless, it ended in an NBA title.
The possibilities are endless with this trio at the forefront, even if the LA end up in a play-in spot. Right now, the Lakers hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference and sit just one game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers, who are in seventh.
Best-case scenario, they solidify their spot in the postseason without the play-in, but it will be a tough road ahead. The Lakers face the Nuggets, Clippers, Blazers, and Suns across the next week. Needless to say, LA needs to figure out that rhythm pretty quickly.
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