LeBron James: Lakers star MOCKED with ‘deactivated’ Skip Bayless jibe after Grizzlies loss

Despite the Memphis Grizzlies riding a four-game losing streak, the Lakers lost 110-105 to slip to 29-31 and .483. 

The Lakers are now closer to 12th place than they are the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.

LeBron has not missed the playoffs in any of his last 13 seasons in the league and came to L.A. off the back of eight straight trips to the NBA Finals.

But since a 17-game absence due to injury, the Lakers have slid from fourth in the West to well outside the playoff picture and with just 22 regular-season games remaining.

The bulk of their contests between now and April 9 also see them face teams in the playoff spots, with the LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics all on the immediate horizon.

Despite coming from 19 points down to overcome the Houston Rockets at Staples Center last week, a two-game losing streak means Lakers are up against it.

And that’s despite Lakers leader LeBron having declared that he had “activated” playoff mode in order to carry his team into the post-season.

The 34-year-old managed a triple-double in Memphis with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

He also became the only current player in the top 10 for all-time points and assists in the league.

But NBA analyst Skip Bayless felt that he was not clutch enough for the Lakers when they needed to snatch a win late on at FedExForum.

Bayless tweeted: “What a lousy loss for the Lakers. Just stunning. They needed “The Best Player on the Planet” to take over down the stretch. Deactivated.”

Earlier in the game, the Undisputed host had said: “LeBron is playing defense just like last year, as if he’s an innocent bystander. Often just stands and watches. He’d better start making up for it by attacking on offense.”

He then added: “The Lakers really miss Lonzo Ball.”

Fellow Fox Sports basketball analyst Colin Cowherd, meanwhile, wrote on social media after the final buzzer: “I think Lebron James cape has a tear in it. #Supermeh.”

The Lakers face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, having lost to the Pels even with Anthony Davis out due to rest on Saturday night.

source: express.co.uk