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Lakers vs Rockets: Re-signing Talen Horton-Tucker might be a mistake

Jason Reed|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on December 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images )
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on December 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images )
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. LeBron James hasn’t given up on the Los Angeles Lakers just yet

Before we dive into the night that LeBron James had we want to acknowledge some other players on the Los Angeles Lakers. Malik Monk had a great night offensively, showing that he can be a valuable scorer in this rotation. However, he continues to be really bad on defense, which makes it hard for him to play in big moments when the team is at full strength.

That is a big reason why the Rockets scored 123 points. Monk and Russell Westbrook is just not the defensive pairing you want in the backcourt. Speaking of Westbrook, he had his typical Westbrook game.

The baseline box score numbers are fine at 24/10/12 but his turnover problems were still present as he turned the ball over seven times. However, he did play better when it mattered. Stanley Johnson was fine for who he is and Carmelo Anthony had a showcase in shotmaking, scoring 24 points.

Okay, now let’s get to the King.

LeBron James is really good at basketball, have you heard? To be honest, I have doubted his willingness to give his all to this Los Angeles Lakers team because of how bad it is. LeBron knows when things aren’t working and it would not be all that surprising to see him mail it in.

He is not doing that, at least not yet. LeBron had a vintage LeBron showing in this game, only proving that he is still one of the best players in the game. Heck, if the Lakers weren’t so awful around him he probably would have a decent MVP argument because of just how good he is at this point in his career.

LeBron recorded a casual 32/11/11 triple-double and officially took the lead in 30-point games in the NBA despite only playing 23 games. Oh, and he hit the 36,000-point mark.

The Los Angeles Lakers are now 17-18 on the season and 12-11 with him playing. Without LeBron James, the Lakers would probably have a record that looked a lot like the Rockets’ record.

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