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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Lessons from Bron/Melo showdown vs Hornets

By Ronald Agers

Mar 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) meets with Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) following the 116-105 victory at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) meets with Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) following the 116-105 victory at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

With each Los Angeles Lakers win, LeBron James catapults his name back in the MVP conversation!

When an NBA player has accomplished as much as LeBron James has in his career, it’s hard to find ways to stay motivated, especially in the dog days of the season. Well, LeBron has his own system of motivation. That is rookie hazing when the NBA media tries to introduce the hottest young star at the moment.

First, it was the Luka Doncic narrative using the “Young gun vs. his boyhood hero” concept that turned into a 30 point triple-double last year in an overtime game with a stat line of 39 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists against the Dallas Mavericks. 

Then there was the Sunday night matchup on ESPN hyping up the next generational superstar in Zion Williamson later that season. Not only did the Los Angeles Lakers win that game, LeBron outgunned Zion on his way to 40 points on 17-of-27 shooting (Five 3 point shots!), 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He became the first player with a 40-point game in his 17th season (or later) since Kobe Bryant in 2013. 

LaMelo Ball was next in line to learn the lesson that all young NBA players have to accept when it comes to having your name in the NBA marketing plan next to LeBron James. LeBron is sensitive about his top spot in the NBA and how long he keeps it.

Nothing motivates LeBron more than the media including an up-and-coming rookie star as part of the hype machine during the NBA season. He always comes out aggressive to send a message showing everyone that there are levels these have to attain before comparisons are made to him.

Man, this game was no different. He was dominating the Hornets early and didn’t let up for four quarters.

  • By the time the first quarter ended, LeBron James had 13 points on 4-5 shooting! His aggressiveness set the offensive tone for the Los Angeles Lakers as they raced off to an early lead.
  • By halftime, LeBron had 22 points on 8-9 shooting. Just before halftime, he demanded a clear-out and attacked the rim with a buzzer-beating layup.
  • Plus James played active defense as well. He had a couple of defensive deflections early but it was his blocked shot late in the final quarter that helped seal up the defensive effort to finally slow down Charlotte.

He was the best player on the floor by far finishing with 37 points (14-22 shooting including four 3 pointers!), 8 rebounds, 6 assists with a steal and a block.

Remember that message that LeBron wants to send? Well after the game, the MVP conversation started up again.

If anyone believes that LeBron doesn’t think about the MVP, there are some statues out in front of the Staples Center Ronald Agers can sell you for the low price of $25,000 apiece. They are one of a kind. Get yours while supplies last!

LeBron James got out the gate quickly and dominated for four quarters. This player started out almost as hot but disappeared until crunch time when the Hornets made their run. Read on to see who this player was.

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