During a game on January 2, 2022, between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, leaked audio captured a heated argument between LeBron James and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. The incident unfolded during the second quarter when LeBron attempted to make a critical play but found his teammate, Avery Bradley, distracted, leading to an emotional exchange with Handy.

LeBron James: “Hey Phil, Hey Phil. Why couldn’t you wait until halftime though coach? He was wide open right now for a layup.”

“Phil Handy: “He was talking to me.”

LeBron James: “Leave him alone until f***ing halftime.”

Phil Handy: “Don’t be coming at me like that.”

LeBron James: “You’re always f***ing with everybody, bro? Why couldn’t you wait until f***ing halftime?”

The root of LeBron’s frustration stemmed from a specific moment in the game. After a Timberwolves free throw, LeBron quickly took the ball out to make a deep pass with only seconds left on the clock. He noticed Bradley open on the other side of the court but hesitated because Bradley was distracted, talking to Handy. This led LeBron to throw the ball to Trevor Ariza, who couldn’t get a shot off in time. The missed opportunity sparked the confrontation between LeBron and Handy.

Despite the heated exchange, the Lakers managed to pull off a 108-103 victory over the Timberwolves. LeBron led the way with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Malik Monk also contributed significantly with 22 points, while Russell Westbrook added 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The leaked audio showcased LeBron’s competitive intensity and his frustration over a miscommunication that, in his view, could have been avoided. However, the Lakers’ victory, fueled by strong performances from their star players, helped ease tensions as they fought their way through a challenging season.

How Far Have The Lakers Come From That Disastrous Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers have come a long way since their disastrous 2021-22 season, which saw them finish with a disappointing 33-49 record and miss the playoffs. That season was marred by fit issues, poor roster construction, and persistent injuries, most notably to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers were never able to find their rhythm, and despite having a star-studded roster that included Russell Westbrook, they failed to live up to expectations. The lack of chemistry and injuries led to a season to forget for the franchise.

In the 2022-23 season, the Lakers took significant steps to change their fortunes. They hired Darvin Ham as their new head coach, bringing fresh energy and a new approach to the team. At the trade deadline, the Lakers made multiple key moves, revamping their roster by bringing in players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, which helped address their fit issues.

The changes paid off as they finished with a 43-39 record, barely making the playoffs but gaining momentum at the right time. They had favorable matchups in the postseason and made an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals, only to be swept by the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Lakers were expected to build on their previous success after a solid offseason that saw them retain key players and make additional moves to bolster the roster. However, despite the high expectations, the Lakers had a somewhat underwhelming regular season, finishing with a 47-35 record. One of the highlights of the season was winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, showcasing their ability to perform in high-stakes games.

However, when they faced the Denver Nuggets again in the first round of the playoffs, they were eliminated in five games, unable to overcome the same team that had swept them the previous year.

The disappointing playoff exit led to the dismissal of Darvin Ham as head coach, and the Lakers made a bold move by hiring former NBA player and analyst JJ Redick as their new head coach. Redick’s fresh perspective and focus on modern basketball principles, such as spacing and three-point shooting, are expected to help the Lakers make another push for contention.

Despite the ups and downs over the last few seasons, the Lakers have steadily improved from their disastrous 2021-22 campaign, and with a new coach at the helm, they hope to recapture their championship aspirations in the coming years.