The Lakers weren’t capable of safe the W on LeBron James’ large 40,000-point night time, and Stephen A. Smith thinks the franchise has a foul behavior of shedding video games that ought to imply one thing.
LeBron grew to become the primary participant in NBA historical past to achieve 40,000 profession factors, however LA fell brief towards Denver on Saturday night time, taking place 124-114 on a momentous event for James.
“Opening Evening, the Lakers open the season, they lose to the Nuggets,” Smith mentioned on ESPN. “The night time that Kobe’s statue is revealed, they lose that night time. Tonight, LeBron James surpasses 40,000 factors, the one participant in NBA historical past to ever do it. They lose that recreation. It looks like within the large moments, the Lakers don’t measure up.”
Smith then took goal at large man Anthony Davis, who was outplayed by fellow large man Nikola Jokic throughout the recreation.
Jokic 35 factors, ten rebounds and 7 assists within the contest, whereas Davis scored 17 factors, 11 rebounds and two assists and Smith wasn’t impressed in any respect with AD’s efficiency.
“I mentioned ‘You ain’t gonna cease Jokić,’ which didn’t occur,” Smith mentioned. “However what you need to do for those who’re Anthony Davis is nullify what he offers you by ensuring you give the identical.’ You may’t have Nikola Jokić dropping 35 and answering with 17. You simply can’t do it.
“If you’re the Los Angeles Lakers and also you’ve received championship aspirations, the massive boy, who’s an All-Star and a famous person expertise on this recreation has to indicate up and provides me somewhat bit additional, when that different famous person — who’s the reigning, defending NBA champion — when that brother exhibits up. I didn’t see that tonight. And I don’t prefer it.”
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