For a quick second, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James thought he could pull off a Damian Lillard-type of long-range to finish the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on Friday. With the Purple and Gold up by one, 116-115, with 23 seconds left in regulation, The King tried to put away the pesky visitors once and for all with a deep 3-pointer.
With still eight seconds left in the shot clock, LeBron used Wesley Matthews' screen to get free. But instead of making a play to the cup, James somehow got impatient and put up for a risky attempt just a few steps away from half-court. His shot fell short, giving the Bulls another chance to steal the game.
Here's LeBron's questionable and uncharacteristically poor decision that nearly cost them the game.
https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1347776919417208832?s=20
Luckily for the Lakers, they still escaped with a narrow 117-115 victory despite their best player's lapse in judgment. Most coaches would crucify their players for taking a shot that deep with that much time on the shot clock. Then again, he is LeBron James and he can practically do whatever he wants in Frank Vogel's offense.
Plus, James was probably still feeling his new “Logo LeBron” nickname after hitting a half-court shot just a few games back. With Anthony Davis sitting the game one out, James led the charge with 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. He shot 11-of-21 from the field and missed all five of his 3-point attempts including that Hail Mary.
LeBron and the Lakers improved to 7-3 in the season, while the Bulls dropped to 4-6.
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