LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have given away the collection, because the squad is now trailing 0-3 versus the Nuggets. After two robust contests in Denver, there have been hopes of the Lakers getting their first win at house; nonetheless, the reigning champs carried out even higher on the street.
Not solely that, however the Nuggets have additionally prolonged their win streak in opposition to the Lakers, going 11-0 since December 2022.
LA is on the verge of one more sweep. It appears as if the Lakers don’t stand an opportunity versus Denver so long as the workforce is backed by the captain of the ship, Nikola Jokic. And that’s precisely what James’ former teammate, Kendrick Perkins needed to say.
Except Jokic has an early retirement… Lebron won't ever win one other title.Wrote Perkins on X
The assertion wasn’t as candy, contemplating Perkins was James’ former teammate. Jokic has positively dominated in opposition to the Lakers of their final 11 conferences. Nonetheless, in Recreation 3, Aaron Gordon switched issues up as he led the Nuggets with 29 factors, 15 rebounds, and three assists whereas taking pictures over 66% from the sphere.
James, however, had 26 factors for the night time with 9 assists and 6 rebounds. The 39-year-old veteran had carried out nice on his half, although plenty of elements have contributed to the Lakers’ present state of affairs.
LeBron James doesn’t have a solution for the Joker
James admitted that Nikola Jokic was certainly an unstoppable power earlier than the collection even began. Going into the primary spherical, the Nuggets had been 8-0, which included final yr’s Convention Finals sweep.
To date into the collection, the Joker has averaged 27.7 factors, 15.7 rebounds, and eight.7 assists. The close to triple-double stat from Jokic has dominated the Lakers, particularly within the first two video games.
The Lakers clearly don’t have a solution for Jokic, as James mentioned. Nonetheless, there are deeper features which have led the Lakers so far. D’Angelo Russell, one of many main shooters, hasn’t been constant other than Recreation 2. Subbing in two guards on the similar time as an alternative of letting the beginning forwards management has resulted in lesser manufacturing. And the bench isn’t as productive because it ought to’ve been.
These elements have brought about better issues for the Lakers this postseason. As they appear to keep away from a sweep, their main issues needs to be controlling the paint and revolving their offense round Anthony Davis and James’ pick-and-rolls.
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