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Los Angeles Lakers: Cavaliers bench silences LeBron free agency questions with quality win

By Jason Renner

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Jordan Clarkson #8 and George Hill #3 help up Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Jordan Clarkson #8 and George Hill #3 help up Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers fans had to be a little disappointed as the Cleveland Cavaliers bench finally stepped up in a quality win in Game 4 over the Indiana Pacers.

Los Angeles Lakers fans have to happy where the Cleveland Cavaliers were heading into Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers.

The Cavaliers have been facing questions about LeBron James. LeBron’s free agency decisions have been questioned throughout the entire season. As July 1st draws closer, the question has become even more important for the media. This has certainly affected other Cavaliers players not knowing whether their leader will return next season or not.

The poor play of many of the Cavaliers players led to them being down 2-1 to the Pacers. After last night’s performance, the Cavaliers bounced back to tie the series up at 2-2.

LeBron had his usual playoff-LeBron performance, but it was his teammates that lifted the Cavs to victory. Their quality performance silenced the concerns of many pundits that James could end up losing the series due to his teammate’s weak play and end up leaving Cleveland this offseason.

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LeBron led the way with 32 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. His play was complemented by some unusual contributors. Kevin Love had a quiet game as he struggled through early foul trouble, but Kyle Korver and Jordan Clarkson noticeably elevated their game.

Korver scored 18 points while shooting 4-of-9 from deep. Clarkson came out hot early, scoring all 12 of his points by halftime on 5-of-6 shooting.

These solid performances by both players helped silence the growing narrative surrounding the series that LeBron was getting no help from his teammates. After going down 2-1, the Cavs realized that maybe this time LeBron couldn’t just win this series for them on his own. Perhaps James isn’t as dominant as he once was.

When asked in the post-game press conference about Clarkson’s performance, James replied with the following.

"“We need Jordan’s scoring. He has the ability to go off in the second quarter like he did…and it was great to see that happen.”"

This was exactly what Lakers fans did not want to see. Though Clarkson is a former Laker, Lakers fans should be a little disappointed to see the series now at 2-2. Clarkson had a feel-good performance, but the Pacers were so close to going up 3-1 on LeBron. For now, the Cavs team seems to have figured out how to get other players besides James involved.

LeBron’s free agency will involve many factors. Media pundits kept pointing to the lack of team contributions as a reason for James to bolt from Cleveland this off-season. Maybe Clarkson and others had a lucky night and this was a one-time performance. Though, Cleveland reclaimed homecourt advantage in the win and appears to have the edge heading into Game 5.

While it is early to forecast James’ decision this offseason, Lakers fans should hope for the Pacers to come into Game 5 with a gameplan to shut down LeBron and company. Despite his Lakers affiliations, we should root against Clarkson performing well.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers Ultimate Guide to 2018 Offseason

It is in the best interest of Lakers fans if the Pacers take out James in the first round. Keep a close eye on Game 5 to see how LeBron’s free agency narrative continues to evolve.

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