Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James lays down Dubs dynasty for good, 4 lessons

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LeBron James set the tone early. 26 minutes later, he sat down for the night

With Anthony Davis sidelined for Wednesday’s contest, LeBron James had to set the tone early and get the Lakers out to a good start. Mission accomplished.

LeBron scored 11 points in the first quarter and was not seen in the 4th quarter because he was resting. While he was on the floor, James scored 23 points while handing out a game-high 12 assists.

Unlike the last two games prior to this one, LeBron James did not control the game as he did early in the season. In this game, it was evident that he was two or three steps ahead of the Golden State players. Like this play here.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1194840594851323904

The Lakers picked on Willie Cauley-Stein all night long as he was exposed in the pick and roll. As you can see here, the Warriors were completely lost as LeBron and JaVale executed the play to perfection. Other than that you can only feel sorry for Draymond Green because he didn’t get the massage, but he sure got a facial.

Earlier in the game, the roles were reversed as JaVale McGee caught Cauley-Stein sleeping as LeBron James had the play of the night.

https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1194833091354718209

LeBron seemed more energized and focused and it spread out throughout the team. The ball was moving and he got easy baskets for his teammates early. Let’s talk about one of those players.