After an embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers responded the day after and blew out the Oklahoma City Thunder, 116-95.
LeBron James played a vital role in the win. With Anthony Davis, one of his star partners, out with knee soreness, James took on a larger role on both ends of the floor.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old forward isn’t new to a high usage rate and controlling the game’s tempo, but he still proved he can do it 19 years into his career. James dropped 33 points on an efficient shooting night, hitting 13-of-20 overall, 4-of-6 from deep and 3-of-4 from the charity stripe.
He added six assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks and had Lakers head coach Frank Vogel in awe.
“He was unbelievable tonight,” Vogel said after the win. “I shouldn’t say it surprises me, but it’s just incredible for him to play at such a high level. To perform the way he did tonight, not only with his shotmaking but his playmaking, his will to take a tough loss last night and say that’s not going to happen again. The two losses we had against OKC where we built big leads and let them get back in it, he wasn’t going to let that happen again tonight. So, just a great performance by Bron.”
James led the way when the Lakers built 20-point leads, but whenever he needed a quick breather, the Thunder went on a run to cut the deficit. When he re-entered the game, Los Angeles’ lead would increase again.
Vogel analyzed James’ composure to make that happen.
“He stabilizes us,” Vogel said. “I just thought throughout the game he helped build the lead, not just sustain their runs or stabilize us during those runs. He was solid all the way through.”
Vogel said it’s unclear when Davis will return to the floor. The medical team is still determining the specific issue with his knee. Until then, James will have to shoulder a bigger responsibility since Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan won’t produce the same way Davis can.
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