Telling detail in Lakers photo fuels LeBron James conspiracy theory

One dedicated NBA fan has posed an interesting theory about the Los Angeles Lakers' use of social media, after noticing a long-running trend involving LeBron James on their Twitter account.

It's been a disastrous season for the Lakers after the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook which had been tipped to be an NBA Finals contender woefully underperformed.

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Between injuries to Davis and a supporting cast that has also found difficulty finding chemistry with new addition Westbrook, the Lakers have racked up a fair few more losses than many expected heading into the season.

The modern NBA thrives off social media and the discussion and connection to fans it provides, but this can be a double-edged sword as NBA YouTube personality Kenny Beecham proved this week.

Almost every NBA team will post a graphic of some sort with the score after every game they play, win or lose.

While it's obviously more fun to celebrate a win, with 82 games in a season beforee the playoffs there's no point trying to gloss over a loss.

However Beecham noticed a trend in the presently 31-43 Lakers' posts after a loss - they never seem to feature James, Westbrook or Davis.

In a post on Instagram, Beecham said he had gone back and graphed how many times each Lakers player was used in a loss graphic.

Lo and behold, the big three was nowhere to be found.

“LeBron James has not been used on a loss graphic at all. Not ONE time,” Beecham detailed.

“Mailk Monk has been used 10 out of 43 losses - they killing everybody!”

In addition to Monk's 10 appearances, fellow bench players Talen Horton-Tucker and Wayne Ellington appeared five times each.

Recent signing Wenyen Gabriel featured in their post following their loss to the Pelicans earlier this week.

Davis has been injured for most of the 2022 season, however he featured in just one win graphic.

In contrast, James and Westrook have featured in 10 and nine winning posts respectively - prompting Beecham to speculate if such treatment was written into their respective NBA contracts.

Lakers' NBA season plunges downhill as playoffs approach

Any hopes of a late-season rally from the Lakers have taken another hot after James suffered an ankle injury during Monday's brutal loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans and Lakers are jostling for position ahead of the play-in tournament, with the Lakers giving up a 20-point lead to New Orleans in an agonising second half collapse.

Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters that James was doubtful for their next game against the Dallas Mavericks.

There was a sliver of good news for Lakers fans on Monday.

Vogel said that Anthony Davis participated in a full practice for the first time since sustaining a foot sprain on Feb. 16.

He's also listed as doubtful for Tuesday, an upgrade over his out status for the last several weeks.

James rolled his left ankle early in the second quarter of Sunday's game while setting up for rebounding position.

He stepped on Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes' foot under the basket before collapsing to the court. He remained on the floor for a moment, but was eventually able to get up and keep playing.

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