With the Los Angeles Lakers taking a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets and James Harden struggling from the field against L.A. in last night’s Game 4 loss, many have turned the current status of the series and the likely result of a Lakers win as a referendum on the legacy of Houston’s MVP. But while the Los Angeles Lakers have focused their defense on slowing down Harden and forcing the ball from his hands, that’s a sign of respect, according to LeBron James.
James called Harden one of the best offensive players the NBA has ever seen, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“James is probably one of the best offensive players that we’ve ever seen in this league,” the Lakers star said. “I mean, he had 20 free throw attempts and we’re trying to not put him to the free throw line. One of our game plans is to not put him to the free throw line and we’re trying to not put him to the free throw line, and the guy is just so clever that he was still able to get 20 free throw attempts.”
Harden had a rough game in Game 4 but he’s actually been pretty solid, shooting 47% from the field and 41% from the 3-point line in the four games in this series. But the Rockets deficiencies, whether it be a lack of true size or the poor play of Russell Westbrook, as well as the excellence of the Lakers two stars, have torpedoed what good play Harden has had over the four games of this series.
