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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron and AD stave off Rockets surge, 5 Lessons

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Anthony Davis got the memo for the Los Angeles Lakers! Go out be aggressive and DOMINATE!

The debates on this website when in concerns Anthony Davis is understanding the word DOMINATE! With his skill, he will always collect his stats as his 25 points and 14 rebounds in Game 1 will attest. But stats are only one part of the story. The P.J. Tucker narrative fits the bill perfectly.

The social media pundits took the AD scoring 0 points against P.J. Tucker too far. He only took one shot. What Lake Show Life criticized AD for was the aggressiveness of how he allowed Tucker to play defense. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Game 1:

https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1302087256732127232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1302087256732127232%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flakeshowlife.com%2F2020%2F09%2F05%2Flos-angeles-lakers-playoffs-rockets-lessons%2F

  • Watch how AD just holds the ball on the wing just giving jab steps and allowing Tucker to dictate the sequence.
  • With Tucker only being 6’5, why go for the pump fakes knowing he can’t block the shot. 
  • AD bails him out with a jump shot. Misses with an airball.

Game 2:

  • Anthony Davis receives the pass from KCP on the wing. But notice the aggressive move with purpose instead of jab steps.
  • He immediately makes his move to get Tucker on his heels playing catchup.
  • The AD hits him with the spin move to get to the middle of the paint for a fadeaway jumper in rhythm in which Tucker has no chance.
  • He knocks down the shot, draws the foul on Tucker.

What’s the difference?

AD went right at Tucker immediately getting into his offensive moves quickly, getting Tucker to pick up two early fouls forcing him to sit down. Then it was a BBQ chicken alert on the rest of the “Micro Ball” Rockets dropping 18 points by halftime.

On the strength of that start, Davis finished with a DOMINATING 34 points and 10 rebounds (3 offensive that led to second-chance points!), 4 assists and a block.

This is a very important Lake Show Life Lesson for Lakers fans. The Houston Rockets know exactly what this page means. They can’t stop AD in the post. P.J. Tucker can only do so much. But don’t bail the defense out shooting jump shots 17-20 feet out all night.

In Game 1, Houston dictated how AD would score. In Game 2, AD dictated the matchup and Houston will be forced to make defensive adjustments.

Lesson two will be about LeBron James. Spoiler Alert: That dude is a bad problem when he cares! Read on and see why!

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