George Karl Says The Lakers Have Been Unstable For 15 Years And Their 2020 Title Doesn't Count

In a scathing critique that reverberated across the NBA landscape, former head coach George Karl minced no words in his assessment of the Los Angeles Lakers, asserting that their only championship victory since the departure of legendary coach Phil Jackson "doesn't count" and highlighting the franchise's instability over the past 15 years.

"The Lakers will be more successful going fwd when they acknowledge the only championship they won since Phil left doesn’t count and they’ve been unstable for 15 years."

Karl's blistering remarks come amidst the Lakers' recent decision to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham, adding fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the storied franchise's management decisions. Karl, a vocal critic of the Lakers, pointedly criticized the team's frequent changes at the head coaching position, emphasizing the importance of systematic accountability and consistency in successful organizations.

The validity of the Lakers' 2020 NBA Championship, secured within the confines of the NBA bubble amid the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, has long been a subject of debate. Karl's assertion that the championship "doesn't count" due to the unique conditions of the bubble environment is likely to rile up fans and pundits alike, further fueling the discourse surrounding the Lakers' legacy.

Karl's criticism of the Lakers' stability over the past decade and a half is not without merit. Since Phil Jackson's departure in 2011, the Lakers have grappled with coaching changes, front-office upheavals, and roster fluctuations, hindering their ability to maintain a consistent level of success on the court.

As the Lakers navigate through a period of transition, Karl's critiques serve as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in regaining their former glory. With LeBron James' championship window dwindling by the year, the organization's next steps will be crucial in shaping their trajectory in the highly competitive landscape of the NBA.

Lakers Need To Learn To Trust The Process

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads, facing the harsh reality that success in the NBA requires more than just star power—it demands a commitment to trusting the process. Since their triumphant title win in 2020, the Lakers have veered off course, neglecting the fundamental principles that underpin sustained success in professional basketball.

In the aftermath of their championship victory, the Lakers made hasty decisions, hastily dispatching veterans and bringing in new stars in pursuit of immediate upgrades. However, the 2020-21 season was marred by injuries, derailing their aspirations and highlighting the perils of short-sighted roster maneuvers.

Undeterred, the Lakers doubled down on their quest for instant gratification, orchestrating a blockbuster trade to acquire Russell Westbrook and assembling a roster laden with aging veterans past their prime. Yet, despite their efforts, the team faltered, failing to even secure a playoff berth—a stark departure from their championship-winning form just a year prior.

The revolving door of personnel changes extended to the coaching staff, with Frank Vogel, the architect of their 2020 triumph, becoming a casualty of the team's tumultuous trajectory. 

In his place emerged Darvin Ham, a relatively unproven commodity who managed to guide the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in his inaugural season, albeit falling short against the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets.

However, the following season proved to be a stark contrast as the Lakers were unceremoniously ousted in the first round by the same Denver Nuggets in just five games. The disappointing playoff exit spelled the end of Ham's tenure as head coach, underscoring the consequences of the Lakers' failure to adhere to a cohesive process in their pursuit of success.

It is the Nuggets' steadfast commitment to the process that serves as a beacon of success in contrast to the Lakers' turbulent journey. By maintaining their core roster, fostering continuity with a consistent coaching staff, and making strategic adjustments when necessary, the Nuggets have emerged as a formidable force in the league, poised to clinch their second consecutive title.

For the Lakers, the path to sustained success lies in embracing a similar approach—forging a cohesive core around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, investing in a stable coaching foundation, and resisting the temptation to succumb to knee-jerk reactions in the face of adversity. 

Only through unwavering commitment to the process can the Lakers hope to reclaim their status as perennial contenders and forge a legacy of enduring excellence in the NBA landscape.