Disaster Strikes: Lakers Lose by 70 Points in Two Games, Trade Rumors Surround Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers are in disarray after suffering two humiliating losses in back-to-back games. Following a 109-80 blowout against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team fell even harder in their next outing, losing 134-93 to the Miami Heat. These defeats amounted to a staggering 70-point deficit over two games, leaving fans and analysts questioning the direction of the franchise.

Heat Dominates Lakers in Historic Fashion

The Heat made the Lakers’ defense look nonexistent, hitting an eye-popping 24 three-pointers on 47 attempts, an efficiency of 51%. Leading the charge was Tyler Herro, who delivered a third-quarter masterclass, sinking 7-of-8 threes in that period alone and finishing the night with 31 points on 9-of-16 from beyond the arc. Herro’s performance was so effortless it seemed like a casual practice session.

Adding insult to injury, Jimmy Butler showcased a new hairstyle while his team dismantled the Lakers, almost mocking the level of competition. The game was over by the third quarter, and Miami barely broke a sweat, turning what should have been a competitive matchup into a rout.

LeBron Shines Amid Chaos

In the face of the carnage, LeBron James had one of his best performances of the season. Against his former team, LeBron put up 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists in just 29 minutes. It was a vintage showing for the 38-year-old superstar, but his efforts were rendered meaningless by the lack of support from his teammates.

Anthony Davis: A Shadow of His Former Self

The most glaring disappointment was Anthony Davis, who tallied a meager 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 31 minutes of action. Davis struggled mightily, shooting just 3-of-14 from the field and failing to impose himself on either end of the court.

This game was emblematic of Davis’ recent slump. Over his last seven games, he has averaged 18 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on abysmal shooting splits: 43% from the field, 15% from three-point range, and 77% from the free-throw line. These numbers are a far cry from the MVP-level performances he delivered at the start of the season when he was averaging 31.3 points and 11.2 rebounds through his first 14 games.

Fans and Analysts Call for Change

As Davis continues to struggle, calls for the Lakers to trade him are growing louder. Many fans believe the team’s best option is to rebuild by trading Davis for a haul of future assets. This approach would also allow the organization to prepare for LeBron’s eventual retirement, as his current contract runs through 2026.

Prominent Lakers media outlet Laker Central has joined the chorus, urging the franchise to either make significant roster changes or commit to a full rebuild. The sentiment is clear: the current iteration of the Lakers is not working, and decisive action is needed to salvage the team’s future.

Coaching Problems or Roster Issues?

First-year head coach JJ Redick is already facing intense scrutiny, with a record of 12-10 that lags behind the 13-9 mark set by Darvin Ham at this point last season. While Redick’s hiring brought optimism, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Lakers’ problems go beyond coaching.

Redick himself admitted after the Miami loss:

"This wasn’t a game where I felt we had the right mindset or professionalism. That starts with me, but it also requires accountability on the court."

Davis echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for the team to stay united:

"We can’t let this break us apart. We have to come together and ensure things don’t spiral out of control."

The underlying question remains: Is the Lakers’ decline a coaching issue, or does the roster lack the necessary talent and chemistry to contend?

The Case for Trading Davis

For those advocating a trade, Davis represents the Lakers’ most valuable asset. At 30 years old, he still has the potential to command a significant return in a trade, particularly from teams looking to make a championship push. Trading Davis would not only bring in young talent and draft picks but also allow the Lakers to retool around LeBron for the final years of his career.

Critics argue that Davis has been too inconsistent to serve as the centerpiece of a championship-caliber team. While his defensive impact remains elite, his offensive struggles and frequent injuries have hindered the Lakers’ ability to build momentum. A trade could be the reset the franchise needs to avoid prolonged mediocrity.

A Pivotal Season

After several years of underwhelming performances, the Lakers are rapidly approaching a crossroads. The Western Conference is more competitive than ever, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings emerging as legitimate contenders. Even the Golden State Warriors have experienced how quickly fortunes can change, dropping from first to seventh in the standings after a brief losing streak.

For the Lakers, every game matters. With a record of 12-10, they sit precariously in ninth place, just two games ahead of the 12th-seeded Kings. Without a clear plan to improve, the team risks wasting another season and further alienating its fanbase.

The Clock Is Ticking

The Lakers’ recent 70-point slide underscores the urgency of their situation. Whether through trading Davis, making smaller roster adjustments, or committing to a full rebuild, the team must act decisively. For now, all eyes are on the front office as fans wait to see whether the franchise can salvage its season—or if this marks the beginning of the end for the LeBron-Davis era in Los Angeles.