Los Angeles Lakers: 4 lessons from LeBron James closing out Boston Celtics

LeBron James hit huge shots when needed and closed the game out for the Los Angeles Lakers!

LeBron James is surgically dismantling the NBA right now. He is playing chess while the rest are playing checkers. This is the LeBron James this team needs to with the NBA title.

In 35 minutes of play, LeBron stuffed the box score with 29 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and only two turnovers. Lake Show Life has been critical of James in the past about getting empty stats. That is no longer the case, he is playing smart and not bailing the defense out in crunch time.

What are we talking about? Just look at this play here.

Romeo Langford is matched up against LeBron on the left wing. Last year, LeBron James almost always shot a side step 3-point shot. Now he turns Langford into buzzard meat and bullies him under the basket for the layup.

There were many instances when the Lakers needed a basket, he got in the post and demanded the ball. He shot 4-of-10 from distance, but if you are a fan that’s okay. Paul Pierce stated in the post-game that LeBron James will have to be more of a closer.

This just into Lake Show Life, he’s absolutely right.

Basketball is 85 percent confidence. LeBron James wanted the ball in this situation and delivered the goods. He was comfortable and knew that Jaylen Brown couldn’t stop what was coming.

Notice the “Dream Shake” before he shoots the ball. Again, nobody in the NBA can stop this guy in the post. No one. When LeBron James realizes this and posts more, the Los Angeles Lakers have a great chance to go far in the postseason.

On the flip side, James had better find the concept of hitting free throws on a consistent basis especially in crunch time. Two missed free throws late will bite him and the Lakers soon. Bet on it.