The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t looked as sharp as expected early in the season.
Even so, LeBron James has proven that he’s still one of the best players on Earth, even despite his age.
James put the team on his shoulders to lead them to an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, ending an 11-game losing streak vs. their city rivals.
He scored 35 points with 12 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, two blocks, and four three-pointers on 68% shooting and a season-high 42 minutes.
Following the win, fellow co-star Anthony Davis had no choice but to tip his hat to James, calling him “phenomenal” (via Lakers Daily).
"He's been phenomenal down the stretch."
– AD on LeBron
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) November 2, 2023
James has been phenomenal indeed, showing no signs of rust, and aging like a fine wine.
Then again, we’re just five games into the season, and having to bank on LeBron to play 42 minutes in a regular-season game in early November to escape with a five-point win isn’t an encouraging sign.
Davis has been fairly good, and he did put up 27 points with ten rebounds and four blocks against the Clippers, but the rest of the Lakers’ supporting cast has been lacking.
D’Angelo Russell had his best game as a Laker with 27 points, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to make people believe that kind of production will be sustainable.
The Lakers aren’t a top-tier contender as things stand now.
And they’ll need to make sure to keep LeBron fresh for when it actually counts instead of wearing him down so early in the season.
NEXT: LeBron James Praises 1 Lakers Offseason Addition
