Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers got back into the win column with a 107-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on the road Friday night.
This game is part of the NBA’s first in-season tournament. The Lakers currently have a 3-0 record in the group stage and can enter the knockout rounds with one more win.
As expected, LeBron James led the Lakers to victory, having one of his best performances of the season with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals. LeBron was very efficient on the court, making 13 of 22 shots and 5 of 9 three-pointers.
After a tough loss to the Sacramento Kings, Lakers head coach Davin Hamm praised James for setting the tone in Los Angeles’ victory over Portland, via Spectrum Sports Network:
“It was a no-nonsense approach from start to finish. We said before the game that we wanted to attack every possession on both sides of the ball. Obviously their offensive rebounding is very, very good, at an extremely high level. Obviously, This is an area we need to keep working on to get better and improve. Our defense was really good and it was a little deflating to see teams get second and third chances. But having said that, we were a little disappointed, but from Never wavered, kept going, never gave up. But LeBron led the charge and laid the foundation not only for himself but for his teammates.”
Even in his 21st season and about to turn 39, James is still one of the best players in the NBA every game.
LeBron played in 12 of the Lakers’ first 13 games, averaging 25.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 57.2% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.
While James still has the ability to dominate every game as he has thus far, hopefully someone else can shoulder a greater load so he can stay fresh and healthy for the playoffs. If he can do that, the Lakers will be a very scary team given their strong play and IQ.
James: Lakers know what’s at stake in in-season tournament
James and the Lakers are in their best form so far this season in the in-season tournament. The Lakers not only achieved a 3-0 record in the group stage, but also had the league’s best +42 point difference. LeBron said the reason for this is that they know the stakes of the tournament and want to win it all.
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