LeBron James says LA Lakers 'suck' after Grizzlies loss as Chris Paul fractures hand in win over Detroit Pistons

LeBron James said his team "suck" as Los Angeles Lakers suffered a fourth consecutive loss, while Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul fractured his left hand during the 113-109 win over Detroit Pistons.

LeBron admitted his frustration as the Lakers lost their 10th game in 13, losing 127-113 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night in the NBA.

James scored 32 points for his side but that was not enough to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat, and he did not mince his words when he spoke after the result.

"We just suck right now," he said.

Anthony Davis contributed 31 points in Lakers' most recent loss, and Memphis were helped as they were allowed to land 23 three-pointers, despite their three-point percentage being the worst in the NBA.

The Lakers' last victory came over The Charlotte Hornets on December 29, with coach Darvin Ham under serious pressure to turn results around before it is too late.

Meanwhile, Paul was injured in the third quarter of the Warriors’ victory with a little over six minutes of the period remaining. The guard was aiming to claim a rebound but he made contact with opponent Jaden Ivey in the process.

Paul almost immediately showed he was hurt and retired to the locker room, and while he could be out for weeks or longer, the Warriors expect him back before the season is out.

"That's tough," coach Steve Kerr said. "I feel so bad for Chris. I know he's had a couple of hand surgeries before, I believe, maybe on the other hand. I saw him holding it and instantly was worried. Just got the word after walking off the floor.

“So I feel terrible for Chris, and obviously, guys will step up and be ready to play. We've got to hold down the fort without him."

Paul has been a pro for almost two decades, and has had 11 hand injuries so far in his career - five of them to his left, and fellow Warrior Steph Curry was concerned for his team-mate.

"I just feel bad for him. I know he's been through some hand stuff in his career," he said. "We are trying to find a groove as a team ... and he's been such a huge part of that."

He added that there would be more adjustments to the team’s approach given Paul’s impending absence.

He said: "Especially over the last two years or so, I'm able to adjust to whatever is out there. I know that's another challenge now going back to another different line-up with CP out.

"I've got to be able to make the adjustments, Klay [Thompson]'s got to do the same, for us to continue to be aggressive."

The LA Clippers, had a better night as they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-95.

The New York Knicks demolished the Philadelphia 76ers 128-92.

Jalen Brunson scored 29 points for the Knicks, with Quentin Grimes and Isaiah Hartenstein adding 19 and 17 respectively.

Sixers’ Joel Embiid contributed an impressive 30 points and 10 rebounds - the 15th match in a row he has passed that milestone - and did so despite apparently suffering an early ankle injury. Team-mate Tyrese Maxey notched 28 and nine, but the team were hampered when Tobias Harris was injured and unable to turn out for the final quarter.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, the 76ers reduced the deficit to 13 points before the Knicks rallied to round off a huge win.

The Toronto Raptors suffered a close 135-130 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, while the Miami Heat fell well short against the Phoenix Suns as the latter side won 113-97.

The Orlando Magic squeezed past the Denver Nuggets 122-120, and the Dallas Mavericks crushed the Portland Trail Blazers 139-103.

The Indiana Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks 150-116 as eight of their players scored double digits, with Myles Turner leading the way with 27.

The Chicago Bulls saw Miles Bridges score 28 points for the Charlotte Hornets, but a strong all-round performance saw them win 104-91.

Utah Jazz travelled to the north east to lose 126-97 to the Boston Celtics, as Jayson Tatum dominated with 30 points and nine rebounds for the winning side.

The Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed the Washington Wizards, as guard Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points for the Cavs in a 114-90 win.

Brooklyn Nets had Nic Claxton scored 23 and Spencer Dinwiddie the same as they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-115.

Minnesota Timberwolves travelled to Texas to face the Houston Rockets, and Karl-Anthony Towns' 22 and eight propelled them to a 122-95 victory.

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