The bad from the Los Angeles Lakers’ win:
LeBron James did not play!
There are always the snide comments of DUUUHHHH when reading this but let’s break down what the Los Angeles Lakers missed from the King. Sure the playmaking that he brings and the attention he commands from the defense is common sense, but what about the 3 point shooting? The Lakers really missed his long-range shooting.
The Lakers were the best 3 pointing team in the NBA coming into this game and part of that is LeBron James was becoming an adopted “Splash Brother” from beyond the arc.
The Lakers shot only 8-30 for the game adding up to 26.7%.
Perimeter defense.
While the frontline played well at time protecting the rim, the guards and wings feel back into the comfortable habit of allowing 3 point shots with little or no defensive intensity. Lonnie Walker IV went crazy shooting from beyond the arc along with Devin Vassell.
- Lonnie Walker IV: 21 points (7-10 shooting, 5-7 from distance!) with 6 assists and 2 rebounds.
- Devin Vassell: 19 points (7-16 shooting, 5-9 from distance!) with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
Unless you are a serious NBA fan, these names are pretty much unknown. The problem is, these are the type of players that have killed the Los Angeles Lakers in their losses all season long going as far back to the preseason. This is a product of poor defensive discipline and not keeping their balance of watching the ball and their man.
Carmelo Anthony.
Man the NBA life can come at you fast. Melo went from being the G.O.A.T. on Sunday night scoring 28 points on 10-15 shooting to almost just being the goat scoring only 4 points.