LeBron James did not impress with his performance in Game 2, with an outstanding defensive effort completely worn out by his poor offensive production, especially in the fourth quarter.
James had picked up an injury that many thought was an aggravation of the foot injury he’s been playing through in the playoffs. He revealed he got hurt after stepping on Aaron Gordon’s foot, but he’ll be ready to play in Game 3.
“I’ll be ready on Sunday. I just stepped on the foot of AG. Nothing is keeping me from playing.”
LeBron James tells @TNT “I’ll be ready on Sunday. I just stepped on the foot of AG. Nothing is keeping me from playing.”
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 19, 2023
LeBron needs to find a remedy for his offensive woes this series, especially when it comes to shooting from three. James has gone 1-20 in fourth-quarter threes this playoff run, the worst streak of shooting in NBA history. If you can’t find a way to make them, just don’t take them.
He also looked gassed at various points of the game, missing wide-open layups and dunks and not being able to put Denver away when they had the chance in both Games 1 and 2.
Can The Lakers Fight Back?
LeBron has played as a limited version of himself all playoffs. Up until now, it just meant that James is contributing lesser than he usually would, but today it became clear why he was contributing lesser than what we know him to do. His confidence doesn’t look right, he doesn’t look as fast as he usually does, and he looks gassed from the second half onwards.
The best way to overcome a 2-0 deficit would be to manage LeBron’s impact in the game and have him dominate the first half before his body slowly wears out during a game. If not that, have him be fresher in the fourth by managing his minutes. LeBron’s defense in the playoffs has been fantastic, which has caused the Lakers to keep him out for extended periods just for that.
Something needs to change, or else this miracle Lakers season will still fall short of the mark.
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