"James continues to redefine what the end of a superstar’s career looks like" - Jovan Buha believes the Lakers need ‘insane performances’ from LeBron James to have any hope of making the playoffs
LeBron James put on another magical performance in the LA Lakers' 122-109 win over the Washington Wizards last Friday night. James had his second consecutive 50-point game at home, becoming the league's scoring leader for the time being at 29.7 points per game.
In an article written by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers beat writer had nothing but praise for "The King." Buha commended James' efficiency and willingness to win against the Wizards. It's performance like this from James that keep fans' hopes alive that the Lakers to make noise in the NBA playoffs, if they make it.
"James continues to redefine what the end of a superstar’s career looks like. He remains one of the best players in the league, producing at an offensive level he didn’t consistently reach during various points of his future Hall of Fame career," Buha wrote.
LeBron James dazzled Friday with his second 50-point outing in as many home games.
The Lakers still have a glimmer of playoff hope, and it entirely rests on the shoulders of their 37-year-old star.
✍️ @jovanbuha
theathletic.com/3178736/2022/0… https://t.co/RiQ5YAozYP
LeBron James scored 50 points, added seven rebounds, six assists and one block in the win over the Wizards. James also had a very efficient shooting night, going 18-of-25 from the field, 6-of-9 from beyond the arc and 8-of-8 from the free throw line.
With the LA Lakers down by nine points early in the third quarter, James took over the show and carried the team on his back once again. "The King" scored 33 points in the second half as the Lakers went on to route the Wizards. James' energy gave his teammates inspiration.
Malik Monk had 21 points, while Talen Horton-Tucker added 15 points off the bench. It was not the homecoming Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were expecting. Kuzma scored 23 points, while Caldwell-Pope was limited to just four points in 30 minutes.
LeBron James, LA Lakers have tough schedule for the rest of the regular season
With the LA Lakers' win over the Washington Wizards, they improved their record to 29-37. The Lakers are still 9th in the Western Conference standings, but are 2.5 games ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans. The win was a momentum boost for a Lakers team that has the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA.
LeBron James and the Lakers have 16 games remaining in the regular season. Only five of those games are at Crypto.com Arena and the rest are on the road wherein the Lakers are 9-21 this season.
According to @tankathon the Lakers have the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, and @FiveThirtyEight has them with a 6% of making the playoffs
Not the best time in LaLaLand atm https://t.co/XmBRbOAbdS
The Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets twice. They are also going up against teams in playoff spots like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.
The remaining three teams on their schedule are the Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards and OKC Thunder. The Timberwolves have been better than the Lakers, while the Wizards rematch will be at the Capitol. Finally, the Thunder already have two wins over the Lakers this season.