USA Today via Reuters
Oct 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) with guard Russell Westbrook prior to the preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) with guard Russell Westbrook prior to the preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Finally, after four consecutive games of sheer rustiness, the Los Angeles Lakers showed some promise against the Warriors. As was the case with their previous game against GSW, the Lake Show owned Q1. Even better, they saw LeBron James in his old avatar.
It all started with three consecutive free throws made by Carmelo Anthony. However, the same man missed two back-to-back jump shots and that allowed the Dubs Nation to take the lead. But later, the Lakers found their rhythm as their Big Three started to deliver.
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Russell Westbrook with a bullseye pass to LeBron James
With the Lakers trailing 6-8, a turnover from GSW allowed the ball in the hands of Russell Westbrook. Outrunning small forward Andrew Wiggins, Russ sent the pass diagonally, cutting through shooting guard Damion Lee and center Kevon Looney. His assist allowed a sprinting LeBron James to put a cutting layup.
Westbrook ▶️ LeBron#NBATwitter #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/E7RsLWPE3H
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 🗣️ (@_Talkin_NBA) October 13, 2021
One would wonder why LBJ did not go for a dunk while he had an opportunity. However, it was still a show of great chemistry between the two that stole the attention. By the end of Q1, the Lakers led the game handsomely by 8 points.
Read more: Lakers’ Malik Monk Posts Injury Update As Team Falls Apart in Pre-Season
Where did the Warriors stand against the Lakers?
Surprisingly, the Warriors’ 3P% in Q1 remained a paltry 8.3%. Also, their field goal percentage remained largely lower as compared to the Lakers. If not for those two extra turnovers, the Lakers were completely in control of their game.
this pass by @andre >>>> pic.twitter.com/89Jqp2H7jF
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 13, 2021
Playing without Steph Curry, who was a threat in their last game, the Bay Area struggled offensively. Gary Payton scored 6 points as no other player could match Anthony Davis’s 12 points in the first quarter. True, Russell Westbrook started with a turnover and remained scoreless in his 8 minutes, but the rest of the Lake Show delivered.
So it’s very likely that the Lakers will see their first preseason win tonight. Do you agree with the prediction? Help us know in the comments section below.
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