NBA fans prematurely dug LeBron James’ basketball grave vs Warriors
By Mark Powell
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is always up for a challenge, but he clearly isn’t at 100 percent right now.
Frank Vogel admitted as much before the game even began, stating that the Lakers wish they could’ve gotten a few more regular season games in before the play-in. Ideally, per Vogel, the Lakers would backload James’ minutes so he’d be more available and healthy towards the end of the game, as he’s still recovering from an ankle injury.
To be fair, even James at 75 percent is better than most players. Considering we’re so accustomed to seeing James play at an elite level, it’s rare that he seems gimpy or, in this case, human.
It turns out calling the Lakers dead was a bit premature.
Lakers: LeBron James with plenty left to give
https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1395217153880514560
That fast break was the first time all game where LeBron looked like LeBron. Fascinated to see what he can give in the 2nd half.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) May 20, 2021
LeBron James at halftime:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 20, 2021
6 Points
7 Rebounds
4 Assists
1/7 FGM
0/1 3PM
The Lakers missed 31 shots in the 1st half, their most in any half this season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 20, 2021
The Lakers went a combined 2-18 when guarded by Green or Wiggins in the 1st half:
- 0-9 vs Wiggins, including 0-6 by LeBron
- 2-9 vs Green, including 2-8 by Davis pic.twitter.com/1YdjfX8LwU
Now THAT was a Steph Special. If there's such a thing as a dagger at the end of a half, that was it. Lakers down 13 at half??? Surely LeBron will come back out and say, NO, NOT IN MY HOUSE.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 20, 2021
yall were getting drunk with Drake listening to CLB instead of staying locked in, yall better wake up @AntDavis23 @KingJames
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) May 20, 2021
Juan Toscano-Anderson just outscored Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the first half.
— GoGSWs (@GoGSWs) May 20, 2021
AD, Lebron and schroder tonight pic.twitter.com/Cnn90MIxDB
— flightsexual (@flightstepson) May 20, 2021
The Lakers looked downright soft in the first half, but came back strong in the third quarter, scoring over 30 points entering the final frame.
It says a lot about this Lakers team that even without James at full strength, they’re able to hang with Curry and Golden State. It’s safe to say that neither the Suns nor Jazz prefers to play either of these teams in the first round.
Next. Warriors fans infiltrate Staples Center to boo LeBron James. dark