LeBron James again showed the energy fans were waiting for
I was discussing LeBron’s game against Brooklyn with someone and there was agreement that James played with more energy and purpose. He didn’t shoot well in the game (8-25) but in some ways, LeBron had played his best total floor game in months.
He continued his strong play against the Sacramento Kings. LeBron James controlled the game messing around like Ice Cube and getting a triple double scoring 29 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists. Add two steals and a block, the Lakers fans saw LeBron really earn some of the $154 million dollar contract that he signed in the offseason.
The one thing about LeBron James that I do know, he has some type of voodoo hold on Harrison Barnes that goes back to the 2016 title run with the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he saw Barnes on him at the beginning of the game, he came out aggressive and just took the game to him early and often.
He pushed the pace and set up his teammates for easy scores on the fast break…
He actually played off the ball and made himself available cutting to the basket!.
But his defense is what is the most impressive…
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1110002020658774017
Like in the Brooklyn game, LeBron turns the ball over. Instead of sulking and dropping his head, he runs back and blows up a 2 on 1 fast break by the Kings. He then sprints back and gets a hockey assist passing the ball to Lance Stephenson who dishes to JaVale McGee.
Then in the 4th quarter when the Kings made the game close, LeBron knocked down six straight free throws to keep the game out of reach.
Lakers fans, if LeBron James had played inspired basketball like this during the season, the Lakers are in the playoffs no question, injuries or not.