NBA analyst wanted LeBron James to take the clutch shot against Pelicans: "I apologize that I believe in LeBron more than you and Darvin Ham”
LeBron James is known for playing it intelligently and be willing to give up a clutch shot as long as it is the better play.
But NBA analyst Kevin Wildes believes James should have taken a crucial shot against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers needed a three-pointer to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Everyone expected the play to go through LBJ, but head coach Darvin Ham drew it up for rookie Matt Ryan.
Ryan knocked down the three-pointer and sent the game into overtime. However, there has been a debate on whether James should have taken the shot.
On "First Things First," Wildes said he believed in James and wanted to see him take the shot as the leader. He said it was odd for the rookie to have taken the shot.
"It's somewhat of a big deal. It's just odd. Every morning, I wake up and I go through all of the news. Some stuff is just normal. 'Sunny day in San Diego.' Oh yeah, normal. But this one I'm like, 'Huh.' Matt Ryan, who plays for the Colts mind you, gets the final shot on a cross-court pass that we haven't seen since the bubble."
He added:
"Of course, LeBron should have gotten the ball. Of course, he should have gotten the ball cos he's LeBron. I apologize to you and everyone at home that I believe in LeBron James a little bit more than you (pointing to Nick Wright)and a little bit more than Darvin Ham."
"Matt Ryan, who plays for the Colts mind you, gets the final shot. Of course, LeBron should have gotten the last shot! ... I apologize that I believe in LeBron more than @getnickwright and Darvin Ham." — @kevinwildes
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The LA Lakers have won two in a row
The Lakers made a horrible start to the 2022-23 season, losing their first five games. Although they were not considered championship favorites, it was difficult to see such a storied franchise struggle at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
While they are still not in the top ten, things are looking up. The Lakers are seemingly finding their groove and have won their last two games.
Their first win of the season was against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Although they lost to the Nuggets earlier in the season, they handled their business well in front of their home crowd at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers will be looking to continue their home winning streak on Friday night. They will square off against the Utah Jazz.
LeBron James played despite being sick
Every member of the Lakers has struggled this season, including James. The team captain had another poor shooting night against the Pelicans.
Nothing dropped for James from beyond the arc in seven attempts. However, the four-time NBA champ has revealed that he has been sick since Sunday.
In his post-game presser, he said:
"I've been better. Today's the first day I got out of bed since Sunday night. Something going around and it hit me pretty good. Hurt me to my soul to miss the Halloween party with all my guys on Monday. Didn't know if I was going to have enough energy today. ... Soon as I leave here I'm going right back to bed for sure."
The Lakers are hopeful James will be ready to go out on court Friday night. His presence will be a big boost in their quest to secure win No. 3 of the season.