LOS ANGELES – After dropping two games to the San Antonio Spurs earlier in the season, LeBron James wasn’t willing to make it three straight losses against Gregg Popovich and company. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar took the game into his own hands on Wednesday night at the Staples Center and inspired some of his teammates to step up in big moments at the same time.
Although LeBron’s 20-point fourth quarter stole the show, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart had big moments in the final quarter to help seal the deal against the Spurs. However, after the game, LeBron’s performance was the hot topic of discussion in the locker room with Ball being one of many to sing the praises of the three-time NBA champion.
“He’s just the best player in the world, ” Ball said of James. “He put that on display. He came in with eight minutes left and put up 20 points. That helped us win tonight, and I appreciate him a lot.”
Even Popovich couldn’t help but give LeBron credit for dismantling the Spurs in the fourth quarter. The always entertaining future Hall of Famer had another classic line after his team lost a game which they could’ve won against the Lakers.
“Have you watched LeBron play before? He is LeBron James, that’s what makes him difficult to guard,” Popovich said.
Kuzma wasn’t short on praise either for his superstar teammate. The second-year forward played a significant role in the win over San Antonio finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists but knows the ball needs to be in LeBron’s hands late in games like this.
“Just give him the ball and let him make the best play,” Kuzma said of LeBron. “It’s not so much him being a closer, it’s everybody being a closer because he’s getting the ball, he’s attacking, and he’s a willing passer, so everybody has the opportunity to close the game.”
James ended his night with a game-high 42 points to go along with six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Another incredible performance from the veteran forward to improve the team’s record to 15-9 on the season.
Following a flawless four-game homestand, LeBron and company will play six of the next seven games on the road starting with a fourth and final matchup with the Spurs on Friday in San Antonio.
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