Lakers Coach Frank Vogel Explains Why He's Unfazed By LA's Poor Start, Drama

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ losing streak, Frank Vogel is holding on to the talent his squad has at the moment.

Things have not been going well for the Lakers as the Purple and Gold is now 0-2 in the new NBA season. The Friday blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns put an emphasis on L.A.’s lack of team chemistry, but Vogel has suggested that the media is just overreacting, Bill Oram of The Athletic reported.

According to Vogel, what people are seeing now is how the “greatest players” in history deal with disappointment and that’s just what “competitive spirit” does.

“We’re just disappointed that we’re not winning, that’s all,” Vogel said. “Look, these are some of the greatest players ever to play because of their competitive spirit. If you don’t win, there’s going to be frustration. That’s what makes them great.”

It can be recalled that while at the bench, Lakers big men Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard had an altercation. Davis was seen pushing Howard as the pair engaged in a heated exchange.

Lifting the lid on the matter, Vogel downplayed the incident and insisted that such things happen when players “care” about the team. He also stressed that there’s no bust-up between Davis and Howard as the two do “love each other.”

"Dwight and AD had a miscue on a coverage and they talked it out," Vogel said after the loss. "But when you're getting your a-- kicked, sometimes those conversations get heated. Those guys love each other. They talked it out. And that's going to happen from time to time. I'd rather our guys care than not care."

During the offseason, the Lakers pulled off another unforgettable roster revamp by re-signing veterans Howard and Rajon Rondo. They also managed to acquire multi-time NBA All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

This also meant more pressure on the Lakers as many are expecting the team to bounce back this season.

Backing Vogel’s statements, Lakers talisman LeBron James pointed out that they are all “competitors” and the altercations are part of pushing each other to do better.

“I think that can get overly blown when you lose a game,” James told reporters. “You have some techs here, you see an altercation. Well, we’re competitors. If you don’t get mad at certain things on the floor that you feel like you should have done better, then what are you here for?”