Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James loses the ball and the game, 4 lessons
By Ronald Agers
The Los Angeles Lakers can’t stop him. Kawhi Leonard knows it and the Clippers are plotting to exploit it.
For the second time this season, the Los Angeles Lakers needed their stars to be the best player(s) on the floor. For the second time this season, Kawhi Leonard was the best player on the floor. For the first two months of the season, LeBron James turned back the hands of time while Kawhi stuck to his rest program.
The media blasted him, Doris Burke called him out and LeBron took advantage by putting in his two cents on “load management”. But one thing is coming clear.
When it’s time for big games, Kawhi Leonard delivers.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1210228778032599041
Leonard surgically dismantled the Lakers to the tune of 35 points, 12 rebounds (three offensive!), five assists and a steal. He knocked down five 3-point shots and hit all of his free throws. He’s wildly efficient. Why are we discussing this?
LeBron James may have made a mistake going to the media about this load management issue. It could have perceived as a slight at Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard stared Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs down and walked. Then he dealt with all of the “experts” criticizing him for sitting out games last year. When playoff time rolled around and the stakes were high, he played more minutes than any other player. Now he’s an NBA champion. Do you really think he cares what people think?
Leave the man alone, he’s taking names.