LeBron James reveals what he told team before LA Lakers' game-winning shot
LeBron James and the LA Lakers handed the Washington Wizards their 10th straight loss on Sunday. It ended in the most chaotic manner possible when James had the rock in his hands with 17 seconds left, and the game tied 117-117.
James was trapped by two Wizards players at halfcourt, and he tried to squeeze a pass to Lonnie Walker, who had an open lane to attack the rim. James tried to be patient with the shot clock off, as the idea was to avoid letting the Wizards get the lost shot.
LeBron James almost turned the ball over before hustling for it and finding Thomas Bryant at the dunker's spot with the Wizards' defense collapsing. After the game, James said he rightly called out the Wizards' defensive strategy to trap him.
"I said in the huddle, 'they're gonna trap me so make y'all selves available," said James (via Talkin NBA), Be patient because we want the last shot.'"
"I said in the huddle, 'they're gonna trap me so make y'all selves available. Be patient because we want the last shot.'"
LeBron James on the final play
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The Lakers got lucky, as this would've been added to their list of losses in games with double-digit leads. However, they were blessed by the basketball gods on the night as broken play eventually led to a 119-117 win at home. LA has now improved to 13-16 this season.
LeBron James scores fourth consecutive 30-point outing to lead Anthony Davis-less LA Lakers to a win
LeBron James tied Michael Jordan's record as the oldest player to record the most consecutive 30-point games in the LA Lakers' home win over the Washington Wizards. It was crucial as the Lakers were without Anthony Davis, their best player.
Davis is expected to be out for at least a month with a foot injury. James put the Lakers on his back, impacting the game on all fronts. He tallied 33 points, seven rebounds and nine assists to his name while shooting 54.2% from the floor with zero turnovers.
Meanwhile, all other starters also registered double-digit scores. Thomas Bryant and Damion Jones covered for AD's absence by making their presence felt in the paint. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves maintained his efficiency on both ends too.
The Lakers also saw Lonnie Walker IV return to form with a 21-point outing. He shot 58.3% from the floor and 2-of-4 from 3-point land. It's a welcome sight for the team to see players stepping up when their numbers are called, especially in Davis' absence.
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LeBron James and Co. still need to do a better job of extending their advantage in the second halves, though. They entered the break with a 14-point lead but gave it up late in the third quarter. The Lakers trailed by eight points early in the final frame, and this could've easily been another disappointing defeat.