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There were mixed feelings galore surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers after they finalized an expectation-defying trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. Jubilation filled fans, as they envisioned the kind of transcendent effect the 25-year-old superstar guard could have on the franchise in the long term. Uneasiness also rose to the surface, however. Shipping out Anthony Davis might severely shrink LA's defensive ceiling.
Luckily for Purple and Gold nation, LeBron James loves to beat the odds. The 40-year-old NBA icon dissected the Los Angeles Clippers in multiple facets of the game on Tuesday, propelling the Lakers to a 122-97 road victory. He sparked a huge first-quarter run that put the team comfortably in the driver's seat and then kept things steady for the remainder of the contest.
James continued a sizzling stretch of basketball, racking up 26 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals while draining 8-of-13 field goal attempts. He left a large imprint on the game, and did so on both sides of the court. The four-time NBA champion disrupted the Clippers' offense, reminding people that he is a five-time All-Defensive First-Team selection.
JJ Redick is thoroughly impressed with James' complete effort. “He’s going full tilt on both ends of the floor,” the Lakers head coach told the media postgame, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. It might be a lot to ask of someone his age, but if LeBron James can maintain a strong level of defensive intensity, LA suddenly looks far more balanced than it initially did after trading Davis.
Will the Lakers survive defensively?
Luka Doncic's limitations on defense are well-documented. James has also regressed in that area this season. Though, with two of the squad's top defenders now gone (Max Christie was impactful in his own right), the all-time NBA scoring king is seemingly sending a message that he will adapt his role for the good of the franchise.
Assuming Doncic takes the lead offensively when healthy, James could have more energy to exert on defense. Others must step up, too, of course. A mindful game plan and unabated tenacity can help the Lakers stand their ground.
But when it is crunch time, Redick will trust the legend to clamp down on opponents. James and the 29-19 Lakers (won seven of eight) will try to stay aggressive versus the Golden State Warriors (25-24) on Thursday.
