LeBron James took matters into his own hands to help the Lakers pull off a close three-point win over the Clippers tonight. James excelled in a two-way performance, getting a poster dunk on Paul George while also restricting Kawhi Leonard to just 15 points.
After the game, James made it clear that the team needs to continue to get better and can’t slip on minor details, but this win was a step in the right direction.
“We still slipping on some details, and if we can continue to get better, if not, we suck right now, as I said after the last game. Tonight was a good step in the right direction, we want to try to continue that trend going into the next game.”
"Tonight was a good step in the right direction, we want try to continue that trend going into the next game." @KingJames (25 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST) with @LakersReporter following tonight's win. pic.twitter.com/qtksvVcHXa
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 8, 2024
James called defense one of the reasons behind their success tonight while hailing the performances off the bench by D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
“Defense. One of the best-scoring teams gave up only 103 points on our home floor. That was the key to our success… Our consistency off the bench is what’s gonna help us win ballgames and be more consistent on the floor. I thought Vando and C-Wood’s minutes were huge, and getting D’Lo back was huge. He hit some big-time timely shots, especially in the second half.
James is averaging 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. He had a dud performance in the Lakers’ loss to the Miami Heat at home so he was bound to respond with a strong performance. This was one of his most well-rounded performances of the season and the Lakers will hope this kickstart a run of wins to bring the Lakers back into the playoff picture.
LeBron James Called The Clippers Tyronn Lue’s Team Instead Of James Harden’s
LeBron James was praiseful of the rival Clippers, who the Lakers are 2-0 against this season after being winless against them for three seasons. The Clippers have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, overcoming a 0-6 start with James Harden to now sit fourth in the West with a 22-13 record.
LeBron wanted the credit for their good performances to be given to head coach Tyronn Lue after a reporter called them the ‘James Harden Clippers’.
“They look great. You said the James Harden Clippers? Nah, it’s the T. Lue Clippers. It don’t take T. Lue long to get it right. It took 5 games, and they have been cookin’ since.”
"They look great. You said the James Harden Clippers? Nah, it's the T. Lue Clippers. It don't take T. Lue long to get it right. It took 5 games, and they been cookin' since."
– LeBron on the new-look Clippers:
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 8, 2024
This wasn’t a shot at Harden, but a way for James to recognize the coach he won an NBA title with. LeBron and Lue are good friends in real life as well, with Lue recently being spotted at LeBron’s 39th birthday party as well.
Given LeBron’s apparent dissatisfaction with his coach Darvin Ham, these comments are really interesting. LeBron harping on the importance of coaching a team full of stars given the struggles of his team recently could be a slight shot at the situation on his team. It’s unclear if Ham will keep his job in the long term, but this win could’ve bought him at least a little while longer.
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