The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

Early last Saturday evening, the Lakers announced that after a discussion with the their medical staff, LeBron James will be held out for the remainder of the team’s games.

Lakers President of Basketball Operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka released the following statement : “After consulting with our team doctors and medical staff, we have decided to hold LeBron out of games for the remainder of the season. This decision will allow his groin to fully heal, and is best for the future success of both LeBron and the Lakers.”

How do you so spell “disappointment”? LeBRON JAMES!

The LeBron “shut down” for the remainder of the season comes on the heels of James putting up 27 points, three rebounds and nine assists vs the Hornets in the Lakers’ 129-115 victory.

It was the Lakers’ third win in four games, but sadly, it was a case of too much too little too late, seeing how the Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs for a while now.

So, with only six games remaining, it makes plenty of sense to sit LeBron down, considering that he’s still allegedly dealing with a groin injury that held him out for 19 games earlier in this season.

None the less, this season has been a total disappointment for the Lakers.

From LeBron’s groin and his non-existent defence to Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka’s dubious signings.

Coupled with their suspect trades and the failure to land Anthony Davis in a trade, this has left the Laker faithful disappointed and disillusioned for another season.

Asking themselves the reoccurring question these days in “Lakerland” - how long will this debacle continue?

Especially with the Lakers seeming to be happy, spinning their wheels in the mud.

Agreed, the Lakers weren’t supposed to win a championship this year, but the playoffs were definitely attainable.

The Lakers were 24-10 in fourth place in the West, when James injured his groin.

Once LeBron came back, the Lakers were 26-25, and in ninth.

Throw in the dysfunction stemming from James injury along with the Anthony Davis trade rumors, the youthful Lakers never recovered.

Now all the Lakers have to show from year one of LeBron is a fractured locker room, and a coach on life support, regarding his future with the club.

Add to the equation the glaring fact that no other big name superstar wants to play with LeBron. (See: Paul George, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler) and here we are again!

No better or worse than the previous six seasons, just continued wallowing in the lower echelon of the NBA.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Most “Bronsexuals” who blindly follow and defend LeBron, will throw LeBron’s final numbers for the season in your face, in a heartbeat.

27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.

However in reality, it was over 55 games - the fewest he’s played in his career.

Now factor that into the final equation, along with the fact that “Magic” Johnson was a better point guard than a GM, and Rob Pelinka should remained as a player agent.

And it all adds up to a disappointing return on such a huge Laker investment.