LeBron James was the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers‘ narrow 116-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns.While LeBron James finished with 26 points, it was his composure at the free-throw line that sealed the game.In the dramatic final moments, LeBron took four consecutive free throws, sinking three of them to ice the win.Interestingly, the first attempt, resulting from a technical foul, is typically a duty reserved for Luka Doncic, but James stepped up when it mattered most.LeBron Ja...
LeBron James was the driving force behind the Los Angeles Lakers‘ narrow 116-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
While LeBron James finished with 26 points, it was his composure at the free-throw line that sealed the game.
In the dramatic final moments, LeBron took four consecutive free throws, sinking three of them to ice the win.
Interestingly, the first attempt, resulting from a technical foul, is typically a duty reserved for Luka Doncic, but James stepped up when it mattered most.
LeBron James’ most vital moment came when he defended Grayson Allen
However, James’ most vital contribution wasn’t offensive. It was a single, disciplined defensive read in the closing seconds.
With the game on the line, the ball found Suns‘ guard Grayson Allen, who looked ready to attack the rim.
In a situation where many defenders might panic and foul, potentially costing the LA Lakers the game, James made a calculated decision to defend without making contact.
“Funny thing is, I was just watching a highlight of him the other day when they played Minnesota and he had that same step-through move. For some odd reason, that clicked into my head when he kind of pump-faked,“ James said.
“I knew he was going to the one-two step-through, so I was able to get my hand on the ball and get the block the short way, and Marcus was able to get the rebound and foul.“
LeBron James’ elite ability to read the game still vital for LA Lakers
James avoided the foul, Allen failed to score, and the victory was secured. It was a play born entirely from preparation and film study.
The game also featured plenty of tension, particularly a friction-filled sequence between James and Suns‘ forward Dillon Brooks.
That altercation resulted in a technical foul against Brooks, a penalty that proved influential in the final scoreline, as LeBron remains silent in that situation.
These moments prove that even late in his career, the four-time champion possesses an elite ability to read the game, something the Lakers desperately need.
While the core of the offense may have shifted to Luka Doncic, who has been performing amazingly this season, LeBron‘s basketball IQ remains the safety valve that helps the Lakers survive difficult situations and close out wins.
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