Regardless of the records of the two teams, the Lakers and Cavaliers game was must-see t.v. because it was Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. They themselves had a blast playing against each other and it made it fun for everyone watching.
Kobe had a career high in assists and Lebron dropped in 36. The win meant the Cavaliers ended their six game losing streak in front of Rhianna at Staples Center.
Despite the Cavs win that moved them to .500, the story of the game was Kobe’s dimes and how easy they were to come by. And the story was Lebron James 36 points. And how easy that was.
Jan 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) attempts a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half during the NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in a while, Kobe looked fresh. Perhaps it had something to do with Lebron being in town but he consistently found an open Jordan Hill. (You would think their two man game would appear on the Cavs film). Kobe shot the ball well in the first half, making 5 of 8 shots. But it was the way he organized the offense that gave the Lakers the halftime lead. He proved that you can dominate a game without scoring. In the fourth he had 7 points and hit the career assist mark with 17.
Lebron James took over the game in the third quarter. Trailing at halftime, and desperate to end the Cavs losing streak, he came out aggressive, morphing into Lebron James mode. He finished in the paint, he finished at the rim. He hit threes. For the game he shot 50%, 40% from three.
Hoops Habit
Credit David Blatt with a key defensive adjustment in the second half. He put Lebron on Kobe. It wore Kobe down offensively, he missed all three of his shots in the third quarter. Kobe continued to find open shooters but without his offense, against a quick Cleveland team, there were no other alternatives.
Nick Young’s awfulness (30%) continued as he not only missed shots, he looked tentative and without confidence. With Kobe sitting for 6 minutes in the 4th quarter, the Lakers had no chance with this version of Nick Young. Add to that the Carlos Boozer no show, the Lakers bench were outplayed late.
No credit to Byron Scott who had Ryan Kelly in the game in the closing minutes instead of Ed Davis. Subsequently, the Lakers missed key rebounds, giving the Cavs multiple possessions. Kobe cut the lead to 4 but as usual, it came down to the league’s best player, Lebron James. He was the MVP of this game.
If the Cavs are to salvage this season, Lebron has to be MVP Lebron every single night.
As for Kobe? He sits out the next game against the Jazz. He’s back in action on Monday, in Phoenix.
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