Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James' commitment to defense this season has drawn big praise, especially from those who get to watch him play on the national stage.
Jeff Van Gundy, who has called many Lakers games that air on ESPN and ABC, has seen James' defense ratchet up a notch in crunch time:
“Every great scorer as they age has to pick and choose [when to play defense], but he was always in the right spot from a team defensive standpoint,” said Van Gundy, according to LZ Granderson of the Los Angeles Times. “You can’t play with as much offensive responsibilities as the great scorers have to play with and not take advantage of some chances where you can get some rest.
“But he’s coming up so big defensively in critical moments that it’s clear he’s as good on that side of the floor as he’s ever been.”
James has had a rap of picking and choosing his spots over the course of recent years, at times even looking disinterested in engaging defensively, considering the bulk of his offensive responsibilities. Yet he has founded the Lakers' success on defensive accountability, making his effort more than worthwhile.
The King showed he was willing to step up when it mattered most, attempting to draw a charge on a running Marcus Morris on Sunday in the winding seconds of the Lakers' showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers. While the call didn't go his way after a replay, he remained engaged and challenged a Paul George 3-pointer that clanked off the rim.
Van Gundy loves the message that effort sends:
“It sends a very strong message to the rest of your team about how committed you are to winning,” said Van Gundy on the call.
James was ultimately subbed out to a huge ovation from the crowd, as his Lakers now have the chance to tie the season series in Apr. 9 when they face the Clippers for the last time this season.
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