Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James willingly took a step back in the dying minutes of Game 4 versus the Miami Heat and deferred to teammates Anthony Davis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to make the winning plays.
The King is the type to give credit when it's due. He praised Davis' bravado in hitting that dagger 3-pointer with 39.5 seconds in regulation to give the Lakers a comfortable 10-point cushion — and eventually, the win.
Lakers’ LeBron James on another clutch three by Anthony Davis to seal Finals Game 4 win over Heat: “AD just kind of stared at the shot clock… trusted the shot he works on consistently. Big time shot. Big time play for our team.” pic.twitter.com/CGW2NgDwyD
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 7, 2020
The 3-time NBA champion was also in awe of AD’s ability to guard Jimmy Butler on the other end of the floor.
While Davis was expected to come up big for the Purple and Gold, it was Caldwell-Pope's timely baskets in the fourth period that started that run. The Lakers were only up by two at the two-minute mark when KCP hit back-to-back baskets to push the lead to seven.
He drained a corner triple off a fastbreak followed by a beautiful lay-in off a strong drive in the ensuing possession.
James credited Caldwell-Pope's dedication in honing his craft and said he trusts each guy on the floor with him in crunch time.
Lakers’ LeBron James on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s clutch shots in Finals Game 4 win over Heat: “If you’re on the floor in crunch time, then I believe in you. KCP stays ready, works on his craft. That three in front of their bench was a huge three.” pic.twitter.com/smkyRZte68
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 7, 2020
While it was AD and KCP who broke the game wide-open for LA in the end, LeBron's steady presence set up the stage for their heroics.
James shrugged off an ugly first half where he only shot 3-for-8 from the field and had five costly turnovers. He came alive in the final 24 minutes, finishing with a game-best 28 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field, along with 12 boards and eight assists.
LeBron and the Lakers just need one victory to fulfill their championship aspirations this year in honor of the late Laker legend Kobe Bryant.
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