Skip Bayless rails LeBron James for a sluggish performance against Pelicans: “You could have that Jordan flu game against the wounded Pelicans”
LeBron James and the LA Lakers are starting to find their groove. They are on a two-game win streak after opening the season with five straight losses.
The Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-117 in overtime. One of the stories of the game was LeBron James' health. James was reportedly feeling the effects of an illness that had him bedridden for three days.
James overcame the illness to finish with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in 40 minutes of action. But don't let the statline fool you. James struggled with his shot all game long. He shot just 9-for-23 from the field and 0-for-7 from 3-point range.
On a recent episode of "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," co-host Skip Bayless analyzed LeBron James' performance against the Pelicans. He wasn't impressed with the 18-time All-Star. He thought James' teammates bailed him out.
"I never thought I would see the night that somebody named Matt Ryan would take LeBron off the hook for choking his guts out."
"He was choking his guts out. Once again, right on cue. I keep telling you, LeBron does not have the closer gene."
Matt Ryan’s game-tying three led the Lakers to an OT win against the Pelicans:
"I fell out my chair. I never thought somebody named Matt Ryan would take LeBron off the hook for choking his guts out." — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/Qnr2Jg9bk4
LeBron James and LA Lakers look to keep momentum going
After a nightmarish start to the season, the LA Lakers are building some confidence. But there's still plenty of work to be done. The team is still three games under .500. Their upcoming schedule will present some challenges.
The Lakers will take on the red-hot Utah Jazz on Friday, following which they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have one of the best records in the NBA. The Lakers will take it one game at a time. The way they've performed lately is promising.
The most encouraging sign for the Lakers is their ability to win games when LeBron James is struggling. James has shot 42.2% from the field and 16.7% from 3-point range in the last two games.
LeBron James said there was “something going around” that hit him pretty bad and he was bed-ridden from the Nuggets game until today with the illness. He said he plans to go straight to bed tonight for more rest. It even caused him to miss the team Halloween party.
The Lakers continue to get production off the bench from All-Star guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the Lakers' two wins. He also shot 54.5% from the field.
It looked like their season was spiraling out of control. But the Lakers have found life. They will have to play more consistently to keep up with the tough competition in the Western Conference.
The hope is that James can return to form after an extra day of rest. Despite his recent stretch of performances, James has been sensational this season. He's averaged 25.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists through seven games.