NBA in Threes: Nikola Jokic and too much eating; LeBron rolling early
By Jade Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers
There was a little something in the play of LeBron James in this matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. Defensive intensity. James has faced criticism over the last few seasons that he’s beginning to fade. I think a lack of effort on defense has contributed to that narrative as much as anything.
Personally, I’ve never bought into that particular commentary. It’s always been obvious to me that James’ effort is directly proportionate to the chances he believes his team has of having a successful season.
On the one hand, my hyper-efficient brain appreciates the concept of why should he wear himself out trying to carry a team that has no chance of a deep playoff run. On the other hand, my competitive side has a hard time respecting someone making millions of dollars to play basketball and who touts himself as the best to play the game and who is willing to take his foot off the gas. That side of me doesn’t care about the reason.
That said, James’ being locked in doesn’t mean the Lakers don’t have some things they need to work on. In the second quarter, they missed a few good looks from the field and defensive miscommunication allowed the Mavericks to get up by 15 points with 2:24 to play in the quarter.
At the end of the day, the Lakers benefitted from a couple of missed calls to force this game into overtime. The refs missed a holding call on Dwight Howard that would have lost the Lakers’ possession in the closing moments of the game. Had that call been made, chances are the Lakers walk away with the loss.
The Lakers are many peoples’ favorites to win it all this season but I can’t say that they’re mine just yet. And if they become my favorite at any point this season, it won’t be because I think they are the best team in terms of talent. It will be because I believe LeBron James’ playoff experience and single-minded focus will be enough to carry the team. Right now, I’m not ready to hop on the Lakers’ are going to the Finals train. There are simply too many threats in the Western Conference.